Energy expert Arvi Hamburg argues that Estonia should continue to produce electricity from local oil shale resources for at least another decade to ensure energy security before transitioning to nuclear power.
In a recent interview, energy expert Arvi Hamburg emphasized the importance of maintaining Estonia's oil shale power generation for at least another decade, highlighting that this is crucial for the country's energy security. Hamburg, who is also a member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences' energy commission, pointed out that the current structure of electricity generation in Estonia does not align with the climatic conditions, which poses challenges to the energy system's stability and reliability. He believes that transitioning to nuclear power should be a primary objective once oil shale usage is optimized.
Hamburg acknowledged that while recent energy policy decisions may not necessarily be wrong, there is a lack of clarity and consistency in the direction of these policies. He expressed concern that Estonia does not have a clear target when it comes to its energy strategy. Although he recognizes the necessity of integrating more weather-dependent energy sources such as wind and solar power, he warns that increasing these sources can create complications within the existing energy framework. The expert urged for a more coherent approach that aligns the energy policy objectives with the actual capabilities and conditions of the Estonian energy system.
Ultimately, Hamburg’s comments reflect a broader debate in Estonia about how to balance traditional energy sources with the need for a sustainable and modern energy infrastructure. His call for clarity in energy policy underscores the importance of having a consistent strategy to ensure that Estonia meets its energy demands while transitioning towards greener energy sources.
