ENTSOG GRIP BEMIP 2014-2023 / Main Report

2.3 Estonia

ENERGY POLICY

In June of 2009 Estonian Parliament published the Energy Strategy for Estonia until 2020.

Vision The efficient and innovative energy sector supports the sustainable and balanced development of Estonia. Mission The Estonian energy strategy aims at diversifying and supporting domestic energy sources in the production of energy in order to ensure continuous energy supply. In addition, the importance of new interconnections for guaranteeing energy supply is underlined. By 2020 the share of any energy source in the energy balance shall not exceed 50%. It is also important to have several strong energy supply channels from other states, reliable grids and to stockpile fuel and production capacity supplies in a reasonable amount. In order to ensure sustainable energy supply and consumption, energy efficiency shall be improved by energy producers, transporters and consumers. Estonia has significant resources of oil shale, biomass and wind. The balanced utilization of these can, together with increased energy efficiency and use of CHP for district heating, be cornerstones for the Estonian energy strategy. For the purpose of supply of energy at a justified price, regulations shall be de­ veloped, which would prevent market distortions and abuse of the market position by energy undertakings. At the same time the price of energy carriers shall lead to reasonable investments in energy conservation. With large interest and support for biomass, oil shale and wind power, the position of natural gas in the Estonian energy landscape remains marginal. However, the Estonian Government has shown a strong interest for a regional LNG terminal and is wholly supportive of the integration of gas markets through the con- struction of Balticconnector.

MARKET PLAYERS

The Estonian natural gas transmission system operator is AS EG Võrguteenus. AS EG Võrguteenus is owned by AS Võrguteenus Valdus. In Estonia, 3 licences to import natural gas have been issued, i.e. licences to AS Eesti Gaas, AS Nitrofert and Baltic Energy Partners OÜ. AS Eesti Gaas is the only gas wholesaler of the Estonian gas market. AS Nitrofert imports gas only for own use. Baltic Energy Partners OÜ has not imported gas. There are 24 distribution companies active on the Estonian market.

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Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan GRIP 2014–2023