Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt says that Eesti 200 does not believe that more wind farms can fit into Estonia. Therefore, they should not be acquired through tendering.
The question is whether new wind farms will reduce electricity prices without large-scale storage. Currently, it is evident that prices are high during cold weather. If the wind is not blowing, will new wind farms help reduce prices? We want an answer to this.
We have not seen calculations showing that new wind farms would definitely lower prices. Without storage, it is risky. If storage is added, electricity can be stored and used when the wind is not blowing.
What is the cost of the support for taxpayers? This is difficult to predict, as it depends on peak times. The maximum cost could be in the hundreds of millions.
Looking at January and February electricity prices, could we have done something? Currently, we are dependent on imports, where there is more stable electricity or where the wind is blowing. We need more gas plants.
When will the subsidy for onshore wind farms come? It should go hand in hand with large-scale storage. The government must guarantee that investments will bring prices down. Without storage, we are not certain.
What is the cost of the storage guarantee? It is a bank loan guarantee provided by the state.
This debate also shows the coalition relationships. If Andres Sutt provides evidence that new wind farms would lower prices, then it is reasonable to build them. If not, then storage must be added.