Estonia: Summary
Updated: 17.01.2019
Support schemes
In the Republic of Estonia, renewable energy is promoted mainly through a premium tariff and tenders (reverse auctions).
More about support schemesGrid issues
In Estonia, access of renewable energy plants to the grid is subject to the general legislation on energy. Electricity from renewable sources is not given priority. Thus, plant operators are entitled against the grid operator to the connection of their plants to the grid and the transmission of electricity according to non-discriminatory criteria. Furthermore, the grid operator is obliged to upgrade his grid if the upgrade is necessary to connect a plant to the grid. The costs of such an upgrade shall be borne by the operator of the plant in question.
In 2016, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications initiated the amendment of the Grid Code in connection to the implementation of the EU Grid Codes. The new regulations were approved on 29 June 2018 and will become effective on 27 April 2019 (§ 42 ELTS). The detailed content of respective amendments will be published in February 2019.
More about grid issuesPolicies
In 2017, the “National Development Plan of the Energy Sector until 2030” (NDPES 2030) was adopted and published, determining various national objectives regarding the legislation and policies to promote the renewable energy sources in electricity, heating and transport sector. However, the specific proceedings in regard to the implementation of further RES support schemes in all respective sectors are yet to be decided.
The development of specific regulatory measures concerning renewable energies is ongoing. New draft amendments regarding the development and increase of RES (in regard to the “NDPES 2030”) in the heating and transport sector are expected in 2019.
Certification system for RES installers has been put into place. However, where no nationwide regulation exists, incentives are created on the local level through available investment supports and loans.
More about policies
Estonia