Estonia is going all-in with sustainability, committing to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 and becoming climate-neutral by 2050.
This is not an easy feat, only possible via deep cooperation between various sectors and investment focuses. As the topic only becomes more and more important, energy transition and clean energy solutions are key themes discussed in the Spring 2024 issue of Life in Estonia.
“Estonia runs things differently. Like a startup on its way to become a unicorn. So perhaps instead of looking ahead, look out. The Estonian wave is coming,” says Tiit Riisalo, Minister of Economic Affairs and Information, in his opening words for this issue.
+ Green energy everywhere — Estonia double downs on it ambitious goals, putting together new projects across wind, solar and even hydrogen. Learn more about the most important projects in these sectors, which rapidly change Estonia’s energy mix and more.
+ Estonian public sector celebrates anniversaries this year. Invest Estonia turns 30, and e-Residency program reaches 10 years of operation. Read about the history, record results and exciting plans!
+ It’s not only about producing. Large-scale energy storage devices help to ensure affordable electricity by switching to renewable energy. New initiatives emerge there, too — Eesti Energia’s first storage device will be built at the Auvere industrial complex later this year. And Zero Terrain technology makes it possible to build a pumped hydro energy storage system in areas where it was previously not possible due to flat land.
+ Nuclear power is expanding too. Read about Fermi Energia’s ambitious plan to launch Estonia’s first small nuclear power plant by 2035.
+ Skeleton Technologies began as a small startup in Tartu and has grown in 15 years into one of the biggest players in its field, with its HQ in Estonia, R&D in Finland, and manufacturing in Germany. Poised to become the country’s next unicorn, they have many surprises on board.
+ It’s all about fundamentals. Estonia’s education and research minister Kristina Kallas recently decided to allocate €70M euros over seven years to 10 new centres of excellence in research. Two of them deal directly or indirectly with energy issues.
+ Ida-Virumaa continues to transform itself, keeping its honourable title of Estonia’s industrial centre. With the help of the Just Transition Fund, two companies – Ragn-Sells and Trisector – are investing in new technologies to recycle the spoil heap material originating from oil shale exploitation, such as mine tailings and power plant ash.
+ Home offices are yet to win completely, so there’s a need to make our current office spaces green. Meet R8 Digital Operator Jenny, R8 Technologies’ data-driven human-centric AI, which helps commercial real estate across Europe to be more energy efficient, reduce its carbon footprint, and save customers money.
+ Estonia is much more than clean air and green energy. Take a tour of Tartu, as Estonia’s second-biggest city is celebrating its status of European culture capital of 2024. Read about the mythical tales of the Kingdom of Seto, or learn more about Mauri Gross, one of the most visually innovative painters.
Read the newest issue of Life in Estonia magazine here:
