Riigikogu approves nuclear law: coalition backs nuclear power plant construction in Estonia

The Riigikogu approved the nuclear energy and safety law on Wednesday with 63 votes, establishing the legal framework needed for nuclear energy development in Estonia. The Reform Party and Estonia 200 confirmed their support for building a nuclear power plant in Estonia. The Social Democrats voted against the law.

The Riigikogu approved the nuclear energy and safety law on Wednesday, 18 June 2026, with 63 votes in favour, establishing the legal framework for nuclear energy development in Estonia. The Social Democrats voted against the law.

Coalition votes for nuclear energy

Energy and Environment Minister Andres Sutt (Reform Party) and Regional Affairs and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras (Estonia 200) both confirmed at a government press conference that their parties support building a nuclear power plant in Estonia. Sutt emphasised that the Centre Party and EKRE also supported the nuclear plant in the Riigikogu, meaning it was a broader consensus.

"This was one small step for man, but a giant leap for Estonia. Now we have created all the legal prerequisites for nuclear energy development in Estonia, and yesterday's vote in the Riigikogu was certainly historic," said Andres Sutt.

When will Estonia's nuclear plant be ready?

Sutt explained that the exact timeline for nuclear plant construction depends primarily on the development of small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Currently, Fermi Energia is the only company interested in developing a nuclear plant in Estonia. Construction of one such modular reactor is already underway in Darlington, Canada. According to Sutt, the investment decision is planned for the early 2030s, when there will already be enough examples to assess the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of SMR reactors. In parallel, the special planning procedure necessary for selecting the nuclear plant's location is also underway.

"Estonia 200 voted for this law, thereby expressing its support," confirmed Minister Terras.

Background and next steps

The adoption of the nuclear energy and safety law is an important milestone in securing Estonia's energy security. Estonia has set the goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring stable electricity supply following the gradual phase-out of oil shale energy. Small modular reactor technology offers potential for nuclear energy with relatively lower overall capacity and lower construction risk, which would suit a country of Estonia's size. In the coming years, both the suitable location and the final investment decision will become clear.