Züleyxa Izmailova: What becomes of Estonia's nuclear power plant when the sun shines and the wind blows?

Riigikogu member Züleyxa Izmailova (SDE) criticises the contradictions in Estonian energy policy, which simultaneously promotes accelerated renewable energy, extended oil shale use, and nuclear plant construction. In her view, this creates an uncertain environment for investors, lacking clear rules and accountability. By pursuing everything at once, she argues, nothing gets done in the end.

Riigikogu member Züleyxa Izmailova (SDE) raises sharp criticism of current Estonian energy policy in her opinion article: there are many promises, but clear and guided decisions are in short supply.

Estonian energy policy is currently characterised by a situation where one day there is talk of accelerating renewable energy development, the next day of prolonged oil shale use, then again of nuclear power plant construction and energy storage. All these directions are simultaneously on the table, as if they could together form a single competitive energy system.

Investors need clarity

In Izmailova's view, the result is quite the opposite: contradictory energy policy in which investors see no clear rules, credible revenue model, or accountability. Investment decisions needed for the development of the energy sector require stability and predictability, qualities that the current political environment does not offer.

According to the Riigikogu member, the fundamental problem is that by doing everything at once, nothing gets done in the end. Energy policy must make clear choices and stand behind them, rather than undermining investors and the public with an endless parade of promises.

Parallel promises damage trust

Izmailova emphasises that the absence of accountability is as much a problem as the choice of direction itself. When all energy sources are simultaneously priorities, none of them is truly a priority, and this makes both private sector engagement and effective state planning impossible.

The SDE Riigikogu member calls for shaping an energy policy based on clear preferences, a transparent revenue model, and the distribution of responsibility, rather than parallel promises that undermine one another.