The Estonian Center Party has issued a strong statement reaffirming its commitment to oil shale as a vital component of the nation’s energy security. In a declaration adopted by the party council on December 7, 2024, the Center Party argues that oil shale is essential for Estonia’s economic stability, livelihood, and national security.
“Põlevkivi serves Estonia’s economy, livelihood and security!” the statement proclaims, emphasizing the party’s belief that energy security is paramount for ensuring the well-being of Estonian citizens. The Center Party criticizes previous governments for failing to develop a sustainable and forward-thinking energy policy, leading to the current energy crisis.
“Estonia has taken the lead to shut down the oil shale industry without looking for alternatives,” the statement reads. “We are in a situation where it is not possible to invest enough money in the renewal of oil shale energy, but there are no alternatives in the near future to oil shale.”
The party highlights concerns raised by Eesti Energia and the National Audit Office, both of which have warned of potential electricity supply shortages in Estonia as early as 2027. The Center Party argues that oil shale must be utilized efficiently and responsibly, minimizing its environmental impact while recognizing its crucial role as a national resource.
“It must be recognized that oil shale is our special national wealth, which secures Estonia’s energy security in unexpected situations,” the statement asserts. “It is also necessary to invest in other controlled production capacities that would ensure future energy security.”
The Center Party calls for a collaborative approach to energy policy within the Baltic region, urging Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland to work together to increase regional energy production capacity and ensure sufficient resources. The party believes that Estonia has the opportunity to take a leadership role in this effort.
“The goals set by the energy policy cannot be achieved with today’s technological capabilities.Assessments that guarantee continued security of supply in Estonia even if it continues on today’s course are presented only at the level of political rhetoric or wishful thinking,” the statement claims.
The Center party’s statement underscores the complex challenges facing Estonia as it navigates the transition to a more sustainable energy future. The party’s emphasis on energy security reflects a deep concern about the potential consequences of relying solely on renewable energy sources in the near term.
The statement concludes with a call for all political forces to work together to develop a realistic and thorough energy policy that will ensure Estonia’s security and competitiveness for generations to come.
Statement of the Central Party Council of Estonia
Põlevkivi serves Estonia’s economy, livelihood and security!
The energy security of the Republic of Estonia is a matter of grate importance to ensure the security, well-being and basic needs of our people. Unfortunately, the governments that have been in office in recent decades have not been involved in developing a sustainable and progressive energy policy for Estonia. As an inevitable result, we have reached an energy crisis.
Estonia has taken the lead to shut down the oil shale industry without looking for alternatives. We are in a situation where it is not possible to invest enough money in the renewal of oil shale energy, but there are no alternatives in the near future to oil shale.
The goals set by the energy policy cannot be achieved with today’s technological capabilities. assessments that guarantee continued security of supply in Estonia even if it continues on today’s course are presented only at the level of political rhetoric or wishful thinking. Both Eesti energia and the National Audit Office have expressed the risk that Estonia could have problems with the security of electricity supply as early as 2027. The former climate minister, Kristen Michal, played down the problem which was increasing, even claiming otherwise.
Due to the situation that has developed, it is crucial that Estonia does not provide oil shale energy lightly, which can be managed in electricity production capacity and guarantees energy security for us today. Oil shale must be used efficiently and at the same time with as little burden as possible on nature. It must be recognized that oil shale is our special national wealth,which secures Estonia’s energy security in unexpected situations. It is also necessary to invest in other controlled production capacities that would ensure future energy security.
Built over decades, shale-based energy, oil production and other industries, scientific research and excellence in this field have all been built with the work of generations and are a unique field of activity in the world. The rapid disappearance of oil shale activity is not possible with the accompanying social and economic losses – especially the loss of energy independence, with a one-time subsidy. Rather of electricity exports with imports, people who have lost their jobs, unpaid state taxes – evaluating all this together, we will reach several times higher than the aid provided each year .
Considering the large deficit in the energy production capacity of the Baltic region,the Baltic countries and Finland must cooperate more closely at the national level to increase the production capacities of the region and ensure sufficient resources. Although Estonia has been in a rather weak position in energy policy,now is the time to take a leadership role.
Accepted
Central Estonian Party Council
At session V of the writing XV
on December 7, 2024.
estonia’s Central Party council is calling for a reassessment of the nation’s energy policy, urging a shift away from phasing out oil shale, a resource they believe is crucial for the country’s energy security.
In a statement, the council argued that “the goals of the country’s energy policy need to be opened and the light closing of the oil shale industry, which in the current situation is the only one capable of guaranteeing given to Estonia. controllable production capacity, must be abandoned.”
They emphasized the importance of maintaining operational oil shale power plants, stating, “For the sake of energy security, it is necessary to prevent oil shale power plants from going out of use and ensure that they are prepared for unexpected situations and map the opportunities for the shale industry. oil renewal.”
The council advocates for a pragmatic approach, suggesting the growth of a “reality-based action plan” to explore alternative energy sources while ensuring the continued reliability of fossil fuels until viable alternatives emerge. They stress the need for “maximum environmental protection and operational reliability in fossil energy. oil until other controllable technologies come along.”
“We call on all political forces to develop an estonian energy policy with realistic goals that will consistently ensure the security and competitiveness of our country and our people,” the council concluded.
## Expert Interview: The Estonian Centre Party’s Oil Shale Stance
**World Today News:** The Estonian Center Party recently issued a strong statement reaffirming its commitment to oil shale as a vital component of the nation’s energy security. What are your thoughts on this stance, given the global push towards renewable energy sources?
**Dr. Annika Laas,Energy policy Expert at Tallinn University:** The Estonian Center Party’s statement reflects a deep-seated concern about energy security,which is understandably a legitimate concern for any nation,especially during times of geopolitical uncertainty. Estonia has historically relied heavily on oil shale, and the party’s emphasis on its role as a “special national wealth” highlights the strong emotional and economic ties to this resource.
However, framing oil shale as the solution to Estonia’s energy security in the long run is problematic. The statement acknowledges the environmental burden of oil shale but seems to downplay it.Moreover, it argues that there are “no alternatives in the near future.” This is a perilous assumption. While transitioning away from oil shale will require substantial investment and a carefully planned strategy, dismissing renewable energy options prematurely is shortsighted.
**world Today News:** The Center Party criticizes previous governments for failing to develop a enduring energy policy,leading to the current “energy crisis.” Do you agree with this assessment?
**Dr. Laas:** While it’s true that Estonia has lagged behind some othre European countries in transitioning to renewables, framing this as a ”crisis” solely due to past policy failings is an oversimplification. The transition to a sustainable energy system is a complex and multifaceted process that necessitates careful planning, technological development, and public buy-in. it’s not a problem that can be solved overnight.
That being said, Estonia has already taken positive steps towards renewables, and there is meaningful potential for further growth in wind, solar, and biomass energy. The key is to accelerate this transition while ensuring a just transition for workers and communities reliant on the oil shale industry.
**World Today news:** The party highlights concerns raised by Eesti Energia and the National Audit Office about potential electricity shortages as early as 2027. Do you see this as a realistic threat?
**Dr.Laas:** The concerns about potential energy shortages are valid and should not be dismissed. Estonia does face challenges in meeting its energy demands, especially given its reliance on imports. However, framing this solely as a ”shortage” caused by phasing out oil shale unfairly neglects the critical role of energy efficiency and demand-side management.
Reducing energy consumption through energy efficiency measures and promoting behavioral changes can substantially contribute to meeting energy needs while decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.
** World Today News:** The Center Party calls for regional collaboration on energy policy, urging Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland to work together to increase regional energy production capacity. How feasible is this proposal?
**Dr. Laas:** Regional cooperation is absolutely crucial for ensuring energy security in the Baltic region. By pooling resources and expertise, these countries can accelerate the development of renewable energy projects, improve grid interconnectivity, and enhance energy security collectively.The potential for regional energy trading and shared infrastructure projects is significant, and this proposal merits serious consideration.
**World Today News:** What are your recommendations for overcoming the energy challenges facing Estonia?
**Dr. Laas:** Estonia needs a extensive and forward-looking energy strategy that balances the need for energy security with the urgency of tackling climate change. This strategy
* Must accelerate the shift to renewable energy sources, diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on oil shale.
* Must invest in modernizing the electricity grid to accommodate the intermittency of renewables and ensure reliable energy supply.
* Must promote energy efficiency measures across all sectors of the economy, reducing overall energy demand.
* Must prioritize a just transition for workers and communities dependent on the oil shale industry,providing opportunities for retraining and new employment.
* Must foster regional cooperation to leverage shared resources and expertise in developing sustainable energy solutions.
Estonia has tremendous potential to become a leader in renewable energy. Embracing a bold and innovative approach to energy policy is crucial for securing a sustainable and prosperous future.
