Recently, the Minister of the Environment approved the composition of the National Nuclear Energy Working Group, which consists mainly of officials with no background in specific nuclear energy. Doubts arise as to whether it is possible to competently analyze the possibilities of introducing nuclear energy in Estonia, discusses Madis Vasser in a recent article published in Postimees.
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On March 12, 2021, Fermi Energia, a private company engaged in the marketing of nuclear energy, sent a letter to several state institutions, in which the head of the company Kalev Kallemets strongly questioned the critical opinions of independent energy experts about the potential for nuclear energy in Estonia.
As the issue of the social and environmental impacts of energy is one of the priority areas of activity of the Estonian Green Movement, we consider it necessary to refer to the misleading statements in the Fermi Energia letter. This issue needs a balanced and thorough public debate before the country decides whether to commit itself permanently to nuclear energy, which would also mean significant public costs.
On February 9, about 50 nuclear energy enthusiasts from around the world gathered behind video screens to hold the second Fermi Atomic Energy Conference. The highlight of the long day was the solemn signing of the document “Tallinn Declaration on the Future of Licensing of Small Modular Nuclear Power Plants”.
Among the signatories were such large and respected companies as Fortum Finland and Vattenfall Sweden, as well as several small and little-known foreign NGOs. All of them are united by an unwavering belief in the inevitable renaissance of nuclear energy. The aim of the declaration is simple: to encourage the widespread deployment of small nuclear power plants throughout Europe in the early 2030s.
The possible initiation of a special plan for an experimental modular nuclear power plant in Estonia, which has recently emerged, is, to put it mildly, incomprehensible. It is clear that the green revolution needs alternative solutions to the oil shale industry that would be acceptable to all sections of society, create jobs and be able to provide an opportunity to earn a return on investment. However, proven solutions alongside the nuclear power plant have been around for a long time.
The general misconception is that the current alternatives in the energy sector, which are sustainable wind and solar energy, are not enough and that something is needed to ensure security of supply when there is no wind and no sunshine in some parts of Estonia. However, according to Elering, Estonia’s security of supply is sufficient.
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Picture: Wirestock (Freepik)
Recently, the nuclear power enthusiasts are happy to talk about the reasons why Estonia needs its own nuclear power plant, but hear less about the risks involved. Watch the video made by the Estonian Green Movement – which risks are associated with the construction of a nuclear power plant?
If we start to build a nuclear power plant now, we would become a dangerous test site, the risks and costs will start from Estonia and will be covered by us, says a member of the Board of the Estonian Green Movement.
The group of nuclear enthusiasts dream of building the first small nuclear power plant in Europe in Estonia. Such an untested station in the world would involve several risks – radioactive waste, technological threats, security issues and a heavy burden on the public purse. In addition, a new nuclear power plant would not help solve the climate crisis.
Article can be found here. Illustration: Shuttershock/EPL.