ANALYSIS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ITS IMPACT ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN ESTONIA

Enlargement Network for Agripolicy Analysis ANALYSIS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ITS IMPACT ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN ESTONIA NOVEMBER 2009 Work Package WP2: Studies Deliverable D2.2 Study 2 Coordinators Axel Wolz, Klaus Reinsberg, Gertrud Buchenrieder (IAMO) Author MATI SEPP, CZ TEAM (TWINING PARTNER), GERTRUD BUCHENRIEDER

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This report forms part of the deliverables from a project called "AgriPolicy" which has been awarded financial support by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme. The project aims to establish a network of experts involved in agricultural policy analysis and rural development in the 12 New Member States and in 8 Candidate and Potential Candidate Countries. More information on the project can be found at www.agripolicy.net. Page 2 / 33

CONTENT Acronyms... 4 Tables and Charts... 5 1 Introduction... 6 2 Overview of the use and relevance of renewable energies... 7 2.1 Relevance of renewable energies in national energy supply... 7 2.1.1 Production and share in total electricity supply... 8 2.1.2 Production and share in national transport... 11 2.1.3 RE production and share in national heating consumption... 12 2.2 Sources of renewable energies: implications for farms... 14 2.2.1 Wood as a object of RE... 14 2.2.2 Other energy sources: wind energy, solar energy, hydro-energy... 15 2.3 Main effects with respect to agricultural and forestry production... 15 2.3.1 Change in land use patterns... 15 2.3.2 Change in cultivation practices, innovation and investments... 16 2.4 Overview of the installations producing bio-energy... 17 2.4.1 Number and capacity development over the last years... 17 3 National policy and concepts promoting renewable energies... 18 3.1 National policy... 18 3.2 National concepts and programmes... 18 4 Impact of the promotion of renewable energies... 22 4.1 Impact on the agricultural sector... 25 4.2 Impact on rural development... 25 4.3 Impact of internet... 26 5 Strengths and weaknesses of renewable energies... 27 5.1 Strengths and weaknesses... 27 5.2 Opportunities and Threats... 28 5.3 Summary of SWOT analysis... 29 6 Conclusions... 29 Bibliography... 30 Page 3 / 33

Acronyms ARIB Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board CAP Common Agricultural Policy CHP Combined Heat and Power CM cubic meter EC European Commission Ect SF Estonian Science Foundation EE Estonia ERDP Estonian Rural Development Plan Est. SF Estonian Science Foundation EU European Union EWPA Estonian Wind Power Association FADN Farm Accountancy Data Network FAO Food and Agriculture Organization GDP Gross Domestic Product GWh Giga Watt hour IPECTP Implementation Plan for the Energy Conservation Target Programme ) kwh kilo Watt hour MAFA Multi-annual Financial Agreement Mo E Ministry of Environment MW Mega Watt NDP National Development Plan NEAP National Environment Activity Plan NES Estonian National Environment Strategy OPET Organisation for the Promotion of Energy Technologies PHARE Poland and Hungary: Assistance for Restructuring their Economies RDP Rural Development Plan R&D Research and development RE Renewable Energy RES Renewable Energy Sources SAPARD Special Accession Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development SPD Single Programming Document TPES Total Primary Energy Sources TrJ Terra dzaul TWh Terra watt hour UAA Utilised Agricultural Area WTG Wind Turbine Generator Page 4 / 33

Section 2 Tables and Charts Chart 2.1 Structure of domestic energy production in Estonia (2007) Chart 2.2 Annual forest cutting and increment in 2000 2006 Table 2.1 Estonian Energy Balance 2000 2007 Table 2.2 Share of renewable electricity production Table 2.3 Production and price of wood pellets in Estonia in 2000 20008 Table 2.4 New projects for WTGs construction in Estonia Table 2.5 Diesel and share of bio diesel consumption in Estonia 2000 2007 Table 2.6 Petrol and share of bio ethanol consumption in Estonia 2000 2007 Table 2.7 Forest resources and utilization in Estonia in 2002.2007 Table 2.8 Heating share of Renewable Energy in Estonia 2000 2007 Table 2.9 Production of energy from wood-based fuel in Estonia in 2007 Table 10 Theoretical and economic potential of the resources of renewable fuels usable in 2003 2008 for electricity and heat production Table 2.11 Changes of the area of the rapeseeds in Estonia in 2000 20008 Section 3 Table 3.1 Basic principles guiding national policy on renewable energies Section 4 Table 4.1 Grants awarded for research and development in the field of renewable energy sources: Table 4.2 Number and share of farms producing energy grasses for renewable energy production in Estonia Table 4.3 Impact of renewable energies on rural development Table 4.4 Development of internet in Estonia (2000...2007) Section 5 Table 5.1 Summary of SWOT-analysis Page 5 / 33

1 Introduction Similar to the rest of the developed countries, sustainable development and preservation of environment has become one of the priorities of many of the companies and citizens of the Republic of Estonia. Besides generating electricity from oil shale, renewable energy sources water, wind, wood, and biomass - are becoming more and more significant alternatives to the conventional fuels. More than 90% of electricity consumed in Estonia is produced by Estonian Energy. Estonian Energy is a state owned power production, transmission and distribution company of the Republic of Estonia. The energy production from renewable energy (RE) sources of Estonia in 2007 was close to 30 GWh, comprising 16 % of the country s total energy production. About 94% of electricity consumed in Estonia, was produced from local fuel oil shale. Before Estonian Energy initiative, sustainable energy has not been sold to the electricity consumers as a separate product in any of the Baltic Countries and Russia. We anticipate that the positive example created by Estonian Energy will challenge the power generators, distributors and suppliers of other countries in the region to follow our footsteps, and, consequently to improve the living environment of people and nature in this region. Page 6 / 33

2 Overview of the use and relevance of renewable energies Renewable energy sources From the renewable energy sources in Estonia biomass and wind have the highest potential. Practically applicable reserve of hydro energy is about 30 MW. Attention should also to be pointed to energy from waste in light of implementation of the directive 2000/76/EU (http://deepzone2.ttu.ee/soojus/loengud/poobus/asj3030_8.pdf). Utilisation of renewable energy carriers is in coming years bounded to small scale power mainly. 2.1 Relevance of renewable energies in national energy supply Domestic energy production in Estonia accounts for 77% of total energy supplies in 2007. Imported fuels (natural gas, fuel oils, coal, motor fuels, Russian oil shale, liquid gas) made up only 28% of the fuels utilized in 2007. Oil shale is the largest source of primary energy in Estonia, representing 84% of Estonia s TPES in 2007 and Estonian oil shale accounts for about 70% (Source: Statistical Office of Estonia, www.stat.ee) of overall world oil shale production. Other sources 0% Firewood Peat 14% 2% Hydro and wind 0% Oil shale 84% Chart 2.1 Structure of domestic energy production in Estonia (2007) Sources: Estonian Statistical Office; Electronic database The share of renewable energy production reached 16%, wood fuels formed the main part of it. Other sources (mainly peat) remained on the level of 2% in 2007 (Chart 2.1). Page 7 / 33

Table 2.1 Estonian Energy Balance 2000 2007 Unit: (TrJ) 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Beginning stocks 20713 20064 14578 15620 19289 15074 15250 19565 Energy production 132389 131999 140265 162400 154123 161071 155265 176666..oil shale 108330 106183 111103 132096 124121 129423 125022 146747..peat 3345 3427 6416 3531 2678 3550 4726 4405..firewood 20617 22279 22608 26592 27132 27678 25044 24890..other energy sources (solar, wastes..) 76 82 112 113 84 150 150 219..hydro and wind energy 21 28 26 68 108 270 323 405 Import 74161 79975 74327 79076 88500 81113 87238 97481 Export 11915 12644 14746 19873 21650 22425 21160 33504 Ships bunker 4393 4189 4956 4711 6249 5004 8825 10180 Ending stocks 20064 14578 15620 19289 15074 15250 19565 19710 Primary energy supply 190891 200627 193848 213223 218939 214579 208203 230318 Consumed for energy transformation 159019 160254 157854 177037 178640 174356 167134 186609 Production of transformed energy 82038 85862 88694 94620 96317 96867 96216 105831 Self consumption of the energy sector 7456 7620 7220 8896 8274 8209 7419 9191 Consumed for raw materials 7751 8057 3864 5099 8526 8180 7310 7061 Fuel and energy losses 9483 10134 9792 8951 8856 8188 7863 8850 Final consumption 89220 100424 103812 107860 110960 112513 114693 124438 Estonian Statistical Office; Economy, Energy, Electronic database Last years the oil shale and wind energy production significantly increasing (Table 2.1) The peculiarities of Estonia in the reserves and utilisation of primary energy could be summarised as follows: Share of domestic energy sources in energy reserves and balance of primary energy is high, basing mainly on the oil shale. It gives considerable strategic independence in electricity supply (we have the share of imported energy sources about 1/3, in states of European Union about 2/3 in average) Reserve of the biomass is the biggest among the renewable energy sources, from which wood fuels are mainly used so far; wind energy is perspective resource in future. Supply of fuels and energy as a whole satisfies customer's basic needs and there should be no fear of rapid exhaust of domestic energy sources. Supply of natural gas originates from one country only. 2.1.1 Production and share in total electricity supply The share of renewable electricity production in Estonia is rather small and consist 1.40 % of total electricity production in 2007 (Table 2.2). Page 8 / 33

Table 2.2 Share of renewable electricity production 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total electricity supply (GWh) 8510 8481 8524 10158 10302 10201 9729 12188 Renewable electricity (GWh) Peat 19 20 20 20 15 14 16 22 hydro-electricity 5 7 6 13 22 22 14 22 Wind electricity 0 0 1 6 8 54 76 91 others RE sources 22 22 27 26 31 33 38 36 total RE (GWh) 46 49 54 65 76 123 144 171 Share of RE % 0,54 0,58 0,63 0,64 0,74 1,21 1,48 1,40 Estonian Statistical Office; Economy, Energy, Electronic database Estonian national goal is to achieve the share of renewable electricity 5.1% from the gross production by 2010 (Electricity Market Act. (2003)).. This figure is also that recommended for Estonia by European Union (Long-term Development Plan for the Estonian Fuel and Energy Sector up to 2015 (2002)). To achieve this goal priority should be given to bio-fuel based cogeneration electricity and wind energy should be developed, in addition to the small hydro applications.) For building wind farms favourable by the wind condition areas should be used. Taking in consider the existing knowledge and production capacities the expediency of the manufacturing of wind energy equipment in Estonia will be analysed. As an additional opportunity in the development of renewable energy the development of the so-called market of green certificates in Europe is being considered. The use of renewable energy sources in the production of electricity is regulated in Estonia by the Electricity Market Act, which entered into force in 2003 and was last amended in 2007 (RT I 2003, 25, 153; 2007, 23, 120), when substantial changes were also made to the system of aid for renewable energy sources. The version of the Act applying until 30 April 2007, which had come into force on 1 January 2005, required network operators to purchase in a trading period (at a price of 0.052/kWh) all the electricity generated by a producer of renewable energy to the extent of the operator s network losses. The main problem with this scheme was that a network operator who did not have a licence to sell electricity could not buy more electricity than the amount equivalent to his network losses in the trading period. This kind of support scheme was above all a source of uncertainty for wind farms connected to the grid, since at times of low electricity consumption (for example summer nights) network losses are small and so the purchase obligation was also small. Despite the shortcomings of the support scheme in operation, the production of electricity from renewable sources increased in the period 2005-2006. At the same time consumption also increased (6 022 GWh in 2005 and 7 904 GWh in 2006), and therefore the share of renewable energy sources in total consumption even fell, from 1.8% in 2005 to 1.6% in 2006. For this reason a start was made back in 2005 on amending the Energy Market Act to introduce a new aid scheme, and this process was concluded on 15 February 2007, when Parliament passed the Act that came into force on 1 May 2007. The new aid scheme for producers of renewable energy allows them to use the purchase obligation as before, but adds the possibility for a producer to sell the electricity produced itself and be given aid for the electricity sent to the grid and sold. The mandatory purchase price for electricity produced from renewable energy sources has been raised by 42% (to 0.073 /kwh), and the possibility of using the purchase obligation is no longer restricted to the network losses. In addition to making use of the purchase obligation, producers of renewable energy can now receive aid of 0.054/kWh for electricity sent to the grid and sold, which offers the possibility if sales are good of earning considerably more than from the purchase obligation. The duration of the aid scheme has also been extended: 12 years from the start of production (the previous Act allowed the aid scheme to be used for between 7 and 12 years, but no longer than until the end of 2015). Page 9 / 33

Wood energy The wood processing industry is well developed in Estonia. Waste wood derived from wood processing processes can be effectively collected. For example, about 95% of waste wood is used for energy production. Several enterprises are producing wood chips, wood briquettes (77 000 tons in 2006) and pellets (300 000 tons in 2006). The market for wood chips, briquettes and pellets is well developed and operates on a combination of contracts and demand-supply basis, with the price being set by the market. The lower price in the Baltic States makes the export of wood products attractive. Wood products from Estonia are an important export item to Denmark and Sweden. Similarly, in Latvia the largest part of wood products is exported to Sweden. As exports increase, local wood fuel users are concerned that they cannot offer as high a price as exporters of wood fuel products can receive from abroad. Due to the extensive use of firewood resources in Estonia, alternative options have been considered, such as using of brushwood and cultivating fast-growing energy trees in areas not suitable for agriculture. The biomass reserves of brushwood have not yet been thoroughly investigated. A few experiments on growing energy forests were performed in Estonia. Table 2.3 Production and price of wood pellets in Estonia in 2000 20008 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Production of wood pellets (000 t) na na na 10 6 11 12 16 19 Price (retail) of wood pellets ( /t) 9.6 11.8 13.8 16 19.6 24.7 25.9 34.5 26.7 Source: Estonian Statistical Office Production of wood pellets increasing in last years (Table 2.3). But the energy share of pellets still remains quite modest. The main reason is high price compared with other wood energy types (natural woods, rests). Wind energy Most prospective areas for wind energy utilisation are West-Estonian islands and coast areas on North-West and South-West Estonia, also the areas of North-Estonian coast and coast of Lake Peipsi. Taking into consideration the present state of the electrical system it is possible to install wind generators with the total capacity of 90 100 MW, what would deteriorate power system operation quality (without any influence on the operation the absorptive ability is 30 50 MW). Technically it could be possible to install wind generators with the total capacity of 400 500 MW, but this requires corresponding investments into electrical networks and power plants to provide transmission, control and required reserves. In addition to the electrical networks the utilisation of wind energy in Estonia is limited also by relatively low electrical load, large unit capacity of existing power plants and by their poor manoeuvrability. The problem is cushioned to some extent by the strong electrical connections to Russia and Latvia, which can be used to smooth the irregularities of wind energy. Page 10 / 33

Present situation In 1997 the first modern wind generator started working at Tahkuna peninsula in Hiiumaa Island. The owner of the wind generator is the Centre of the Hiiumaa Biosphere Reserve. The wind generator operates at its maximum capacity at the wind speed of 14 m/s and the average annual electricity production reaches up to 300 MWh, which is about 1% of the final electricity consumption of Hiiumaa. In October 2002 the first Estonian advanced wind park Virtsu Wind Park was commissioned. This project was supported by German Ministry of Economy and Technology and Estonian Regional Development Foundation. The Virtsu Wind Park is the common project of OÜ Roheline Ring, AS Eesti Energia and German wind generators producer Enercon GmbH. The total capacity of the three wind generators is 4.8 MW and with this amount of energy ca 500 of households could be supplied with electricity. The towers in Virtsu Wind Park are 63 meters high, rotor diameter with blades is 44 meters and the length of blades about 19 meters. The electricity produced in Virtsu Wind Park is sold to the Green Energy system of the AS Eesti Energia, where every private and/or legal person can support the production of green energy by purchasing the corresponding certificate. Future perspectives In Estonia the electricity production from wind energy is developing steadily. Several new projects for the construction of wind parks are under preparation. AS Eesti Energia has received a large number of applications to connect the new wind generators to the grid (Table 2.4). All projects have been publicly discussed in local communities. Taking into account the current trends, it is anticipated that in Estonia ~50 new wind turbine generators (WTG) will be erected by 2010 with a total capacity ~50 100 MW (compared to about 2 MW in 2002). Estimations indicate a good potential for wind energy development, nevertheless the potential can be realized only if economic incentives are sufficient. Table 2.4 New projects for WTGs construction in Estonia Project/Investor Site Capacity kw Pakri Wind Park (EU support) Pakri pensula 8x2500 OÜ Meritreid Sõrve pensula 230 OÜ Meritreid Coast of Lake Peipsi 150 OÜ "Roheline Ring" Virtsu pensula 5 units (including 1.8 Mw unit) 2.1.2 Production and share in national transport Diesel consumption Estonia doesn't produce the bio-diesel and therefore consumption is quite low reaching only 1 000 ton in 2007 (Table 2.5). Table 2.5 Diesel and share of bio diesel consumption in Estonia 2000 2007 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 National diesel consumption (000 ton) 284 324 348 393 417 447 480 528 Bio diesel (000 ton) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0,6 1 Bio diesel share (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Estonian Statistical Office; Economy, Energy, Electronic database Page 11 / 33

Patrol consumption Bio-ethanol consumption is fixed beginning of 2007 and amount of consumed fuel is close to 1000 ton (Table 2.6). Table 2.6 Petrol and share of bio ethanol consumption in Estonia 2000 2007 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Petrol consumption (000 ton) 306 335 311 306 288 290 308 323 Bio ethanol (000 ton) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Share (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Estonian Statistical Office; Economy, Energy, Electronic database 2.1.3 RE production and share in national heating consumption Forest resources and RE Estonia is rich in forests (about 47.9% of whole territory is coved by forests) and has a high potential for energy production from wood-based fuels - firewood, wood by-products (e.g., wood chips, pellets, granules, briquettes), forest residues, waste wood. Table 2.7 Forest resources and utilization in Estonia in 2002.2007 (Average per year) Area covered by forests 2 Million ha (47.9% of total territory) Total stock of food 400 Million m 3 Net annual increment of the wood biomass 12 13 Million m 3 /year Felling volume of wood Up to 13 Million m 3 Production of wood-based fuels 3700 Thousand m 3 Source: Statistical Yearbook of Estonian 2002-2007 Statistical Office of Estonia, 2003 2007 Forest resources and their utilization in Estonia are presented in table 2.7 and 2.8. Although in official statistics the felling volumes correspond to growth rates, some experts have expressed an opinion that recommended felling volume has already been exceeded in Estonia (Koppel, A., Perttu, K., Ross, J. 1996). Table 2.8 Heating share of Renewable Energy in Estonia 2000 2007 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total heating consumption (GWh) 3777 3983 4011 3951 3809 3750 3835 3570 Renewable energy (GWh) peat 74 147 155 146 98 75 87 136 wood 214 220 243 195 248 324 277 220 Total RE 288 367 398 341 346 399 364 356 RE share (%) 7,6 9,2 9,9 8,6 9,1 10,6 9,5 10,0 Estonian Statistical Office; Economy, Energy, Electronic database The wood processing industry is well developed in Estonia. Waste wood derived from wood processing processes can be effectively collected. For example, about 95% of waste wood is used for energy production. Several enterprises are producing wood chips, wood briquettes (77 000 tons in 2006) and pellets (300 000 tons in 2006). The market for wood chips, briquettes and pellets is well developed and operates on a combination of contracts and Page 12 / 33

demand-supply basis, with the price being set by the market. The lower price in the Baltic States makes the export of wood products attractive. Wood products from Estonia are an important export item to Denmark and Sweden. Similarly, in Latvia the largest part of wood products is exported to Sweden. As exports increase, local wood fuel users are concerned that they cannot offer as high a price as exporters of wood fuel products can receive from abroad. Due to the extensive use of firewood resources in Estonia, alternative options have been considered, such as using of brushwood and cultivating fast-growing energy trees in areas not suitable for agriculture. The biomass reserves of brushwood have not yet been thoroughly investigated. A few experiments on growing energy forests were performed in Estonia. The potential for energy production from forest residues is still not efficiently utilized in Estonia. For example, the use of forest residues accounts for only 10% of energy production from wood-based fuels. Among the reasons for this are that residues are picked up manually due to small area of clear-cuts, as defined by environmental regulations. Thus the use of heavy equipment is not suitable for the pick-up of residues Present situation In Estonia wood-based fuels are mainly used for heat generation in centralized heating systems having boiler houses utilizing mainly firewood and waste wood. Another large group of users are households that use mainly firewood (Table 2.9). So far, the use of wood-based fuels for energy production in combined heat and power (CHP) plants has been limited mostly due to an unbalanced demand for heat during the year. An overview on energy production from wood-based fuels in boiler houses and households is presented in Table r Table 2.9 Production of energy from wood-based fuel in Estonia in 2007 Production of heat in households TJ n/a Number of wood fired boiler houses 792 Capacity of wood fired boiler houses, (MW) 768 Production of heat in boiler houses, (TJ) 6174 Total production of heat from wood based fuels, (TJ) 21782 Share of energy produced from wood to the total primary energy supply ( %) 11.2 Source: Energy Balance 2007; Statistical Office of Estonia, 2007 Future perspectives In general, energy production from wood-based fuels has a good potential in Estonia. Extended use of wood-based fuels for energy production will largely depend on support schemes established by the Government. It is envisaged that the full potential of wood-based fuels can be realized best by increasing the use of forest residues, waste wood and brushwood. Further harvesting of wood for energy production cannot be considered sustainable. The efficiency of the utilization of forest residues, waste wood and brushwood can be improved by increasing the efficiency of the collection process. Furthermore, the competitiveness of the market price of wood-based fuels and transportation costs are factors that will influence the use of wood-based fuels. If the market price is too low and transportation costs are too high then, for example, forest residues are mainly left lying on the ground or burned in forest. Page 13 / 33

Table 10 Theoretical and economic potential of the resources of renewable fuels usable in 2003 2008 for electricity and heat production Renewable fuel Theoretical potential Economic potential PJ TWh PJ TWh Wood 52.13 14.48 20.60 5.72 Straw 5.46 1.52 2.11 0,59 Energy plants 40.50 11.25 20,25 5,63 Reed 1.98 0.55 0 0 Bio-gas 1.44 0.4 0 0 Food waste 0.36 0.1 0 0 Total 101.87 28.30 42.96 11.94 Source: Long term Development Plan for the Estonian Fuel and Energy Sector up to 2015 Calculations proved that for the electricity and heat production based on the biomass theoretical and economic potential highest for wood and energy plants (Table11) 2.2 Sources of renewable energies: implications for farms 2.2.1 Wood as a object of RE Private forests and RE Of the total forest area, 38% or about 860 000 ha belong to the state, and 39% or about 900 000 ha belong to private owners. Most of the remaining woodlands are still subject to the land reform. After the end of the land reform, which commenced in 1991, about 60% or 1.3 million ha of forest land should be in private ownership. The overall volume of cutting has increased as a result of forest management; for example, the cutting volume of 2003 exceeded that of 1993 by more than three-fold. In 2005, 5.12 million cubic metres of timber was cut in the Estonian forests (7.63 million cubic metres in 2004), which is the lowest cutting volume since 1997. In 2005, in private forests, 2.76 million cubic metres of timber was cut and the total cutting area was nearly 82 000 ha. By type of cutting, 63% was regeneration cutting, 36% was improvement cutting, and 1% was selection and other cuttings in 2005. Sanitary cutting has increased compared to the previous years and was at its highest level in the past ten years in 2005. In connection with cutting, reforestation has increased year after year, especially in private forests. Reforestation work was carried out on 10 000 ha in 2002 and 11 307.3 ha in 2003. In 2005, reforestation covered nearly 8200 ha, of which 6000 ha was planted with new forest and contributions to natural reforestation were made on 850 ha. Forest plantations were established on 6500 ha of clear cut areas, 170 ha of former quarries and 520 ha of agricultural land (Long-term Development Plan for the Estonian Fuel and Energy Sector up to 2015 (2002)). The share of RE energy supply from the private forest compared with state owned forest quite modest. Farmers dealing with agricultural activities specialising mainly to the crop or livestock production. Therefore the forest products still remain on the second position. Mainly farmers using his forest resources for the own farm heating purposes. Annual crops Most potential crop for bio-diesel production in Estonia is rapeseeds. The area harvested increased compared to year 2000 close to 2.7 times and production 2.8 times (Table 2.11) Page 14 / 33

Table 2.11 Changes of the area of the rapeseeds in Estonia in 2000 20008 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Rape seed (000 ha)s 28.8 27.5 32.9 46.3 50.4 46.6 62.5 73.6 77.7 Rapeseed production (000 ton) 38.6 41.3 63.9 69.2 68.6 83.1 84.6 133.3 110 Human consumption (000 ton) 2.3 2.4 2.2 2.2 2.5 3.2 2.5 2.2 5.5 % of production 5.7 5.8 3.5 3.1 3.7 3.8 3.0 1.7 5.0 Source: Estonian Statistical Office, Electronic database At the same time the human consumption still quite stable and varied between 2200...5500 ton per yea. Therefore taking into account the small share of human consumption significant part of oilseeds production possible to use for bio-diesel production or other purposes (export, food industry etc). 2.2.2 Other energy sources: wind energy, solar energy, hydro-energy Wind, solar and hydro energy are not significant on the farm level. Small number of farmers producing the natural grasses from the idle land for the RE purposes. This activity is quite highly subsidised by EU support schemes: Direct RE support, if the farmers collected and selling the grasses for heating purposes; Single area payment scheme (SAPS) to maintain the agricultural land in good condition; Supports for environmentally friendly production schemes (full or partial commitments). Last measure is broadening only to the arable land which is rather exceptional among the farmers. 2.3 Main effects with respect to agricultural and forestry production 2.3.1 Change in land use patterns Main effects with respect to agricultural area and production are significant increase of oilseed cultivation. The main reasons are the low production costs and rather high support for rapeseeds. Page 15 / 33

16 14 12 12,7 12 11,5 13,9 10 10 mill. cm 8 7 6,4 6 5,2 4 2 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Actual cutting Annual increment Chart 2.2 Annual forest cutting and increment in 2000 2006 Source: Pärt Enn Viimase paarikümne aasta raiemahud Metsakaitse- ja Metsauuenduskeskus; (http://www.zbi.ee/talkk/materjalid/ta%20lkk%2029052008%20enn%20part.pdf) Last seven years the annual amounts of forest cutting significantly decreasing. During the last ten years, the area of the abandoned farmlands has increased. Considering the present situation in cereal production, use of 25% of total straw production for fuel would make 100-150 thousand tons. In the future, with more intensive cereal production, the amount of fuel straw could be as much as 200-250 thousand tons. Based on the calorific value of straw, it would be possible to produce at present 0.4-0.6 TWh of energy, while in the future the corresponding amount could be 0.8-1.0 TWh (Laur, A. and Tenno, K. Main (2002)). Commentaire [MSOffice1] : p ut also in list of references at end of report Concerning the forestry sector the optimum annual cutting volume is expected to be 12.6 million CM and average annual increment is about 13.9 million CM (Chart 2.2) 2.3.2 Change in cultivation practices, innovation and investments Estonian Rural Development Plan 2000 2006 (ERDP) formed the basis of the SAPARD programme, which was implemented in Estonia in 2001 2006. The main objectives of the ERDP were to support the implementation of acquis communautaire concerning the Common Agricultural Policy and the related policies, and to solve the priority and specific problems for the sustainable adaptation of the agricultural sector and rural area. The specific objectives of the programme were the following: to improve the efficiency of agricultural production and to bring agricultural production into compliance with the EU internal market requirements; to contribute to the socio-economic and infrastructure development of rural area; to ensure the development of efficient and competitive food industry; to provide conditions for sustainable rural development. Page 16 / 33

The first objective indirectly influenced the RE production through the technological improvements of crop production. 2.4 Overview of the installations producing bio-energy 2.4.1 Number and capacity development over the last years No bio-ethanol, bio-gas and bio-diesel capacity developments over the last years in Estonia on the farm level. Page 17 / 33

3 National policy and concepts promoting renewable energies The fuel and energy sector is an important part of the infrastructure of the state, which has to function and develop in the manner providing Estonian uninterrupted supply with proper fuel, electrical energy and heat at the prices as low as possible. Thereby the energy sector has to be as efficient as possible and comply with safety and environmental requirements. The energy policy in Estonia is based on the : 1) Long-term Development Plan for the Estonian Fuel and Energy Sector (1998); (Long-term Development Plan for the Estonian Fuel and Energy Sector up to 2015 (2002)) 2) National Energy Conservation Programme and Action Plan for Energy Conservation (2003) 3) National Environmental Strategy (1997). 3.1 National policy For updating the energy policy goals of Estonia, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications has started the process of drafting new Long-term Development Plan of the Energy and Fuel Sector. The draft plan was presented to the Government in June 2004. As to renewable sources, in the preliminary draft the following indicators have been proposed for the year 2010: the share of renewable in total primary energy supply 11-13% and in electricity production 5.1%. As to international agreements, Estonia signed The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) in 1994. The ECT together with the Protocol of Energy Charter on the More Efficient Energy Use and the Related Environmental Aspects were ratified by the Parliament of Estonia in February 1998 and entered into force on 2 August 1998. In December 1998 Estonia signed the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Kyoto Protocol was ratified by the Parliament in September 2002. 3.2 National concepts and programmes The Long-term National Development Plan for the Fuel and Energy Sector (hereinafter the Plan) is a document, which was approved by the Parliament (Riigikogu) in 1998 as a national level plan for the energy sector (RT I 1998, 19, 295). There the targets are set for development of the fuel and energy sector up to the year 2005 and principal development trends given till 2018. As the environmental impact from energy sector cannot be reduced to the required level without restructuring the use of energy sources, the major part of energy demand increase is projected to be met by natural gas resulting in doubling its share in primary energy supply in 10 15 years. Regarding the sustainable use of local resources, the wider deployment of renewable sources is planned, especially in the form of electricity and heat cogeneration based on these fuels. The Plan sets a target to increase the share of Page 18 / 33

renewable and peat in the primary energy supply by 2/3 to the year 2010 against 1996. It was also provided that to implement the Plan, a Target Programme Economically Feasible Implementation of Peat, Bio-fuels and Other Renewable in Energy Production shall be developed. Up to now, the programme has not been presented to the Parliament. As to renewable fuels, in the draft of the programme the share of 13-15% was predicted for year 2010, and 20-25% for 2025. At the beginning of year 2000, the National Energy Conservation Programme was approved by the Government. The main objective of the programme is to propose concrete measures to ensure the achieving of the relevant objectives set by the Long-term National Development Plan for the Fuel and Energy Sector. General targets of the program include among others the reduction of environmental impacts of the fuel and energy sectors. One of the main goals of the programme is to ensure the CO 2 emission level to be kept lower than limits fixed in Kyoto Protocol (in 2008 2012 the emission level has to be at the level 8% lower than in 1990). This document was followed by the Implementation Plan for the Energy Conservation Target Programme (IPECTP), which was approved by the Government in March 2001. Both the programme and the implementation plan cover the period 2001-2005. In the Programme there is a provision ensuring the decrease of the emission of carbon dioxide by 8% as compared with the year 1990, i.e. according to the Kyoto Protocol, by increasing the efficiency of energy production and transportation by using environmentally friendly fuels and by reducing energy consumption in all sectors and households. The IPECTP includes a project Development and implementation of programme on economically feasible exploitation of biomass, other renewable energy sources and peat in energy production. The project was planned for the period of 2001 2005 with the total financing of 2.9 MEEK (0.185 MEUR) from state budget. The target groups are the following: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication; Ministry of Environment; Counties governments; Local governments; Energy companies; Users of local heating. In the accompanying explanation to the project, it is pointed out that the experience gained in 1990s in expanding the use of bio-fuels and peat has indicated that the success of respective projects directly depends on how well such projects are planned and prepared. Since in exploiting renewable energy sources and peat is linked to regional development, regional employment, pricing policy of fuels and energy and financing opportunities, the preparation and launch of a national programme dealing with these issues is vitally important. In the framework of the project, economically viable conditions of using renewable energy sources and peat are planned to be analysed, environmental and regional aspects of corresponding projects would be assessed. Also, the national programme should enable to outline the assessment to the potential of economic viability of exploiting peat and renewable energy sources both regionally and nationally. Page 19 / 33

The national programme on economically viable use of renewable energy sources and peat would be the basis for applying for international aid for financing respective pilot projects through co-operation projects including European Union and Baltic Sea countries. The National Environmental Strategy sets as a goal to orientate the energy policy towards technological development, the use of renewable resources, a reduction in the generation of greenhouse gases and internalisation of external costs of the energy production and consumption in the price of energy. With accession to the EU, new rules for energy production and requirements for the protection of the environment will need to be implemented. Concerning the use of RES for energy production, the relevant national legislation has been adopted in Estonia. Presently, in Estonia the main legislative acts besides the regulation in the energy field defining instruments for the use of RES for energy production are the Pollution Charge Act and Value-Added Tax Act. A substantial reform of the legislation regulating the energy sector has been carried out in 2003. In July 1st, the old Energy Act was repealed and four new acts entered into force: District Heating Act, Natural Gas Act, Liquid Fuel Act and Electricity Market Act. The topics linked with RES use have found largest attention in the Electricity Market Act and in its sub-ordinary regulation. Various legislative measures for environmental protection and nature conservation are taken into account when implementing policies to promote the use of RES (e.g., Planning Act, Shores and Banks Protection Act, Protected Natural Objects Act, Heritage Conservation Act). Presently, there are about 700 nature protection areas established in Estonia where, for example, erection of wind turbine generators can be problematic. Responsibility for the drafting and implementation of energy policy (incl RE) in Estonia lies with the Ministry of Economic Affaires and Communication. There is no energy agency in Estonia. Table 3.1 Basic principles guiding national policy on renewable energies Guiding principles Ranking 0=non relevant 5=highly relevant Need for a substitution of traditional fossil fuels 5 Development of a national concept promoting renewable energies 5 Financial support in promoting renewable energies 5 National focus more on promoting of renewable energies based on biomass (biogas, 4 biodiesel, bio-ethanol) National focus more on promoting renewable energies based on non-biomass (wind, 3 solar, hydro-energy) Stimulation/support of the private sector 2 Competitiveness of renewable energies with fossil energy 2 National independence of fossil energy supplies 4 Source: Compiled on the bases of interviews: Ministry of Economic Affaires and Communication The evaluation results of the basic policy principles of RE by specialists are presented in table 3.1. The RES main actors The biggest energy company is 100% state owned Eesti Energia Ltd. (AS Eesti Energia) (a company producing, delivering and selling electricity and heat), together with its associated Page 20 / 33

companies Eesti Põlevkivi (Oil Shale) Ltd (extracts oil shale) and Narva Electric Power Plants Ltd (produces electricity and heat from oil shale). AS Eesti Energia has established an alternative way to increase development of renewable energy production in Estonia by issuing green energy certificates for producers and customers. Green Energy Producer Certificate is issued to all the generators of alternative energy who sell their production to Eesti Energia. Any company, governmental institution and residential customers having a contract with AS Eesti Energia may purchase electricity produced from RES and receive a Green energy customer certificate. The price for this green electricity depends on the amount of purchased power. Each Green energy customer supports the Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF) through donations. ELF uses these funds to finance projects related to nature conservation, environmental education and sustainable development. Estonian Biomass Association was founded in 1998 as a non-profit organisation. Their fields of activity are biofuels research, resources estimation, development of renewable types of energy, promotion of the use of RES on national and personal level. There are 42 members (enterprises, organisations, research institutions, individuals) in the association. In 2001 Renewable Energy Council (about 15 members of very different background) was founded to consult and advise the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications. EWPA - Estonian Wind Power Association was founded on September 2001. EWPA has four members: AS Tuulepargid, SeeBA Energiesysteme GmbH, Ostwind Verwaltungsgesellschaft GmbH and Tuuleenergia OÜ. The mission of EWPA is to: provide a common voice for the wind power developers and related organisations in Estonia and to provide a platform for joint activities; advance the wind energy application in Estonia and thereby contribute to the main objectives of energy policy in Estonia and Europe - energy market liberalization, decentralization, and security of energy supply through wider use of renewable energy; improve the legislative environment for wind power development in Estonia; represent its members in the relations with legislative and executive authorities, to stand for the rights of its members, and to represent the member organisations both in Estonia and abroad; ensure public understanding of the benefits of wind power application; create a forum for constructive dialogue with the Estonian government and other key stakeholders. Page 21 / 33

4 Impact of the promotion of renewable energies Expected effective support instruments for promotion of RES based on the expert opinion of specialist on the counties (Harju, Paldiski and Vändra ) level are: Education and training of those who will be involved with the planning, development, operation or promotion or renewable energy projects; Establishment of state or public institutions promoting RES activities; raising public awareness regarding RES, in combination with climate change mitigation issues, through the media, informative brochures, study programs, etc. Organization of conferences, workshops for experts and project developers concerning legislation, technologies, market and financial instruments for RES. The public is primarily made aware of RES through mass media (television, radio, newspapers, etc.). A number of articles have been published in daily newspapers and professional periodicals. Numerous leaflets, booklets, funding projects, etc have been published. Also special conferences, workshops, etc have been held for the public to increase their awareness about RES issues. Of course the co-operation with the Ministry of Environment and of Economic Affairs and Communication & NGOs, work with communities, journalists, etc. help to give better results. From the year 1999 a special RES conference has been annually organized in Estonia Investigation and Usage of Renewable Energy Sources. The main organizer of the event is Estonian Agricultural University in co-operation with the Estonian Biomass Association and Foundation Archimedes. The conference proceedings are published and distributed to all interested people. The second example is connected with the international OPET Network where Estonia has been participated from the year 1998. The network is co-financed by European Commission and established for promotion of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies. OPET Estonia has developed a close relationship with the Estonian governmental institutions, research institutes, energy centres, Estonian energy companies, energy specialists, etc. The dissemination work through organised seminars, workshops, training courses and also OPET library with excellent information on RUE and RES technologies has successfully reached the target groups. The project has become very popular and well-known in Estonia. The Internet plays a very important role, because much information can be obtained there. New books, conferences, environmental NGOs, nature clubs, universities, etc. - everything can be found there. Estonians have good access in the Internet. For example 80% of the inhabitants of Estonia, have access to the Internet from schools, libraries, Internet cafes, etc. Because of good Internet access environmental campaigns, training, etc. can be made also via the Internet. There are several e-mail lists on the environmental subject. For instance Loodus ja Aeg (Nature and Time) gives good information about resent articles, MoE work, environmental policy laws, conferences, new books, etc. To become a member of this kind of list is free of charge and usually available for anyone who is interested. Estonian Academy of Sciences, Estonian universities, research institutes and scientific societies organise regularly workshops and seminars to discuss different aspects of renewable energy and their positive impact to the environment possibilities to mitigate negative consequences of global warming. Page 22 / 33

Research and Development The bases for research and development organization is laid down in Organisation of Research and Development Act, which regulates the role of different governmental agencies, methods of management and coordination of the whole system. The country's R&D policy is carried out by the Ministry of Education and Science, innovation policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. The Estonian Government is advised in R&D strategy issues by the R&D Council (founded in 1990), whose activities are based on two standing committees, one focusing on R&D and the other on innovation policy. The research and development strategy Knowledge-based Estonia reflects recognition of the increasingly greater role of research and innovation in shaping Estonia's future, aiming to ensure reproduction of knowledge and skills, renewal of the traditional industries and their integration into the rapidly developing knowledge-intensive areas of new economy. For Estonia the set out key technological areas are information society technologies, biomedicine and materials technologies, but nothing related to energy. The key elements of the Estonian research system are the universities, whose basic responsibilities are scientific research, post-graduate training and provision of higher education, but also more and more extensive cooperation with other R&D institutions and users of research outcomes; followed by minor institutes and R&D establishments. Besides the above, national innovation system includes also enterprises participating in R&D activities, different state structures responsible for R&D and innovation policy. The existence of national competitive financing is one of the prerequisites for the development and quality of national innovation system. Division between various categories of research and development in 1999 was as follows: 49.8% to basic research, 34.5% to applied research and 15.7% to technological development. State financing of R&D is organized through targeted financing, R&D grants, maintenance of the infrastructure, national R&D programmes and support programmes for innovation. Targeted financing is planned for developing new research areas and to obtain the information resources needed for research and remains within the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and Science. The research grants are financed by the Estonian Science Foundation from the budget of the Ministry of Education and Science. Different support schemes are financed from the budget of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications through the Estonian Technology Agency with the aim to raise the competitiveness of enterprises by developing and applying new technologies. The support scheme is oriented to product development in enterprises, research within a market potential undertaken in R&D institutions, and preliminary studies for projects. Energy research as any other research in Estonia is financed by the institutions described above. So far there are no energy oriented special funding schemes available. The only attempt to launch a National Programme of Energy Research and Development Activities till the year 2000 was made in 1995, but unfortunately the programme was never adopted. Two universities and one applied higher educational institution have energy related subjects included in their curricula. In Estonian Agricultural University both Institute of Agricultural Energy Engineering and Institute of Forest Industry teach bio-energy related subjects resources and technologies, theoretical and practical side. Tallinn Technical University is the main centre of technical research and education. Institute of Thermal Engineering in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering provides education on fuels, boilers, combustion technologies, energy production, energy management etc. Kehtna Economy and Technology School provides applied higher education - processing since 1991, and production of local Page 23 / 33

fuels since 1994, to which maintenance of energy equipment was added in 1997. They also cover organisation of heat production in small business and exploitation of boiler plants. An initiative has been launched by Tallinn Technical University Development Centre of Power Engineering, with the aims of activity listed below. Application of the newest achievements of science - new materials, renewable energy sources, new optimisation methods, energy storage devices, power electronics, intelligent electrical drives, information technology, productive equipment and technology - for reconstruction of Estonian electrical power system and consumption processes to ensure the sustainable and environment friendly development. Development and application of innovative products, technologies and services in mutually beneficial cooperation with companies in Estonia and abroad. Transfer of the newest achievements of world science and know-how of the top technologies of power electrical and mining technologies to Estonia, enhancement of development potential and creation of product development environment at Tallinn Technical University. The centre may develop into a strong promoter of wider application of renewable energy sources, new sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies and new research programmes. The Estonian Science Foundation (EstSF), established on July 1990 by Estonian Government, is an expert research funding organisation. Its main goal is to support the most promising research initiatives in all fields of basic and applied research. The EstSF uses state budget appropriations to award peer-reviewed research grants to individuals and research groups on a competitive basis. Grants awarded for research and development in the field of renewable energy sources in the period 2000-2007 are presented in the table 4.1 Table 4.1 Grants awarded for research and development in the field of renewable energy sources: Grant name Grant holder and university Period Production Ecology of Willow Short Rotation Forests and Combined Use of RSF as Vegetation Filters and Renewable Energy Recourses Katrin Heinsoo, Institute of Zoology and Botany at Estonian Agricultural University 2001-2004 Radiation Regime, Architecture and Biomass Production of the Energy Forest (Willow and Grey Alder) in Estonia Juhan Ross, Tartu Observatory 2001-2003 Improvement of Biofuels Grate Firing Technology Ants Veski, Tallinn Technical University Air distribution influence to the boiler efficiency at grate burning of biofuels Engineering bases for producing hydroenergy on small rivers considering environmental requirements Ants Veski, Tallinn University of Technology Mare Pärnapuu, Tallinn Technical University 2004-2006 2003-2004 Estonian wind climate and wind energy resources Ain Kull, University of Tartu 2003-2005 Possibilities and Efficiency of the Use of Wind Generators in Estonia Olev Liik, Tallinn Technical University 2000-2002 Page 24 / 33

Modelling of cooperation of wind turbines and power system Definition of the Parameters for a Hot Water System and Solar Diffusive Radiation Model for the Estonian Conditions Investigation on the Dynamics of the Estonian Wind Energy Resource and Arrangements Study of the efficiency of the two-step controlled solar collectors Olev Liik, Tallinn University of Technology Teolan Tomson, Estonian Energy Research Institute Teolan Tomson, Tallinn Technical University Teolan Tomson, Tallinn University oftechnology 2004-2007 2001-2003 2002-2004 2004-2005 Optical Coatings for Solar Cells Tiit Varema - Tallinn Technical University 2002-2003 Contacts for Semiconductor Solar Cells Tiit Varema - Tallinn University of Technology 2004-2005 4.1 Impact on the agricultural sector The number of farms dealing with RE production is rather modest in Estonia. In 2008 only 123 farms or 0.6% of all farms producing the low quality natural grasses for energy purposes (Table 4.2). The activity is combination with EU support frame of single area payment scheme (SAPS), taking into account the compliance rules to keep the agricultural land in good order. Table 4.2 Number and share of farms producing energy grasses for renewable energy production in Estonia 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 All farms 57163 55748 46304 36859 32303 27747 25539 23331 21936 Farms producing RE 0 0 0 0 0 11 17 59 123 Share of all farmers (%) 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0,1 0.25 0,6 Source: Estonian Statistical Office; Electronic Database; 4.2 Impact on rural development The main objectives on the rural development level to promote the RE are: To avoid local pollution and to keep local natural environment in good order; To create the new jobs inside of local government (diversification of rural economies). Estonian Government ratified new NEAP (2001-2003) on 05.06.2001. The NEAP idea is building a bridge between the sustainable development and the EU approximation processes. Many actions included in the NEAP are oriented at legal and substantive approximation with the EU environmental acquis. Much effort has been put to make sure that the NEAP is coordinated with the EU Accession Strategy as well as with other environmental programs, particularly the Agenda 21, the National Environmental Health Action Plan, and stimulates development of the local and regional environmental action plans. This NEAP consists of 657 actions classified by Policy Goal and within each policy goal by objective and subsequently by time scale (short-term actions and medium-long-term actions). The NEAP contains a large variety of different types of actions such as education, environmental awareness campaigns etc. The top priority actions according to the prioritization methodology applied are typically Page 25 / 33

legal reforms, drawing of management plans or capital investment into pollution abatement in rural areas. Table 4.3 Impact of renewable energies on rural development Criteria Ranking 0=non relevant 5=highly relevant Role in national rural development programmes 5 Provision of new jobs on farm 3 Provision of new jobs in rural areas (non-farm) 5 New/additional source of farm income 3 New/additional source of income in rural areas 5 Source: Interview with economic and environment specialist of the local government of Saku, Kiili and Paldiski The table 4.3 was compiled by consulting of several specialists dealing with RE problems in local government level. 4.3 Impact of internet Estonia is not a third-world country, especially when it comes to the Internet. Its 1.3 million people conduct more than 90 percent of their bank transactions online. About 40 percent read an online newspaper every day. The nation is the first one in the world to embrace online voting. Cell phones are often used for such basic activities as paying for parking or buying meals in restaurants. Popular voice over IP company Skype is headquartered in Tallinn. Free Wi-Fi is widely available. Indeed, Estonia s parliament passed a law in 2000 declaring Internet access a basic human right. The main internet development indicators presented in table 4.4 Table 4.4 Development of internet in Estonia (2000...2007) Year Users Population % population Usage Sources 2000 366,600 1,299,000 28.2 ITU 2004 621,000 1,344,840 46.2 ITU 2006 690,000 1,332,987 51.8 ITU 2007 760,000 1,332,987 57.0 ITU ITU International Telecommunication Union Concerning RE Agricultural Registers and Information Board established and developed the own internet based information system for supporting the farmers to obtain information and to create application for energy crops support. Page 26 / 33

5 Strengths and weaknesses of renewable energies SWOT analysis implemented taking into account the main perspective RE types in Estonia wood, wind and oilseeds. 5.1 Strengths and weaknesses The production of RE contributes to secure energy supply to substitute fully or partly the fossil fuels. Usually RE is more expensive compared with fossil energy. Wood and oilseed production for bio-fuels is a useful measure for recycle a set-aside land. In Estonia the vacant land is about 200 300 thousand ha. RE production is land consuming and the turnover from woodland still remain rather low. The supply chain of wood energy can be characterized by relatively short transport distances (locally produced and locally used). Local use of RE need the investments for coexistent technological solutions. Due to a longer value chain within the national boundaries, RE production creates new employment opportunities in countryside. Needs to find and training the staff members in quite restricted local conditions. Wood and oilseed production has the ability to green wastelands and to prevent further land degradation. Restrictions rising due to slow implementation of Land Reform in Estonia. The production of RE products creates an additional distribution channel for agricultural products and increasing the income for farmers. Specialisation and concentration of agricultural production in the large size enterprises eliminated RE production (except the bio-gas and oilseeds). Wood and bio-fuels are not or only little toxic. Wood and bio-fuels are characterized by low energy content per volume. Page 27 / 33

5.2 Opportunities and Threats Bio-fuels have the opportunity to replace a large percentage of fossil fuels. The market of transport fuels is dominated by fossil fuels and will likely be so in the foreseeable future. New more efficient RE crops will be found for bio-fuels production. Restricted research resources (financing and human capital - researchers). New and more efficient conversion technologies will be found and existing technologies will be improved. Restricted innovation resources The EU directive and Estonian national RE strategies are promoting wind and bio-fuels production. The political lobby for RE is weak when compared to the lobby of fossil fuels. The Estonian government has set targets to increase the market share of RE (5.1 % 2010) Discoveries of new oil fields rapidly decreased in the last few years. Due to Directive 2003/96/EC2, tax reductions for ER were introduced in Estonia for wind electricity. RE are characterized by constant or decreasing fuel or electricity prices through economies of scale. Quite significant local opposition against the wind parks in Estonia The RE market is a relatively new market. Page 28 / 33

5.3 Summary of SWOT analysis The summary present three most important issues through the all SWOT components taking into account overall RE development in Estonia (Table 5.1) Table 5.1 Summary of SWOT-analysis Strengths 1. Rich RE potential; 2. Liberalisation of electricity market; 3. The production of RE contributes to secure energy supply to substitute fully or partly from fossil fuels. Opportunities 1. EU funds for RE; 2. National target for RE (5 % for 2010 and 20% for 2020. 3. The EU directive and Estonian national RE strategies are promoting RE production. Weaknesses 1. Relatively low price for fossil fuels at the moment; 2. Slow implementation of Land Reform; 3. RE production are land consuming and the turnover from woodland still remaining rather low. Threats 1. Lack of effective cooperation between energy and environment agencies; 2. Negative reaction to some RE projects on local community level; 3. Lack of investments in regional and local level 6 Conclusions Estonia will have the opportunity to take part in EU regional policy and to receive considerable financial assistance from the EU budget. In accordance with the criteria established in Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999, which lays down the general provisions of Structural Funds, Estonia is a region covered by Objective 1, which is described as promoting the development and structural adjustment of regions whose development is lagging behind and provides the largest support rates. Estonian National Development Plan for the Implementation of the EU Structural Funds Single Programming Document 2004-2006 (hereafter referred to as SPD) serves as a basis for the common activities of Estonia and the EU in promoting Estonia s social and economic development. Regarding renewable, the Estonian SPD includes Measure 4.2: Development of Environmental Infrastructure. The general objective of the measure is to improve the environmental situation in Estonia. The specific objectives, among others, include the goal of reducing the environmental impact of the energy sector, improving efficiency and increasing the share of renewable energy. In the SPD it is emphasized that the main problems in the Page 29 / 33

Estonian energy sector are related to high spatial concentration of the electric power production and the considerable environmental burden caused by it. Therefore, the Measure 4.2 is planned to foster the use of renewable energy sources like biomass, wind and small hydro. This would give rise to decentralization of the electric power production and would reduce the use of fossil fuel sources that in turn helps to save the environment. Under the Measure 4.2 the following projects are preferred: Projects having bigger positive impact on the environment; Projects contributing to the public-private partnership; Projects having a higher share of applicant s co-financing; Projects promoting local employment. Biomass activities are of special importance for Estonia due to its significant forest potential and due to the fact that 25% of agricultural land is unused in this country. Energy crops and a forestation of abandoned land could mitigate the underemployment problem in rural areas and generate a sustainable energy. They will also contribute to the production of liquid bio-fuels in line with Directive 2003/30/EC. Bibliography Aronsson, P., Heinsoo, K., Perttu, K., Hasselgren, K. 2002. Spatial distribution of biomass productivity in unevenly wastewater-irrigated willow plantations. Ecological Engineering, 19: 281 287. Cambours, M.A., Heinsoo, K., Granhall, U., Nejad, P. 2006. Frost-related dieback in Estonian energy plantations of willows in relation to fertilisation and pathogenic bacteria. Biomass and Bioenergy, 30: 220 230. Heinsoo, K., Sild, E., Koppel, A. 2002. Advantages and drawbacks of fertilisation in short rotation forests. Proceedings of 12th European Conference and Tehnology Exhibition on Biomass for Energy, Industry and Climate Protection. (Ed.-s W.Palz et al.) Vol. 1, 231 234. Heinsoo, K., Sild, E., Koppel, A. 2002. Estimation of shoot biomass productivity in Estonian Salix plantations. Forest Ecology and Management, 170: 67 74. Heinsoo, K., Koppel, A. 2003. Choice of willow (Salix spp.) clones for establishment short rotation forest plantations in Estonia. Abstracts of IUFRO International Conference on World Perpective on Short Rotation Forestry for Industrial and Rural Development. (Ed.-s K.S.Verma and D.K.Khurana). Heinsoo, K., Koppel, A. 2003. Nutrient removal capacity of willow short rotation forest Estonian case study. Publicationes Instituti Geographici Universitatis Tartuensis 94. (Ed.-s Ü. Mander, Ch. Vohla, A. Poom): 102 105. Heinsoo, K., Koppel, A. 2006. Multiple usage of short-rotation willow plantations in Estonia. Proceedings of 14th European Conference and Tehnology Exhibition on Biomass for Energy, Industry and Climate Protection. Page 30 / 33

Koppel, A., Perttu, K., Ross, J. 1996. Estonian energy forest plantations general information. Kogumikus: Short Rotation Willow Coppice for Renewable Energy and Improved Environment. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Department of Short Rotation Forestry. Report 57: 15 24. Koppel, A. 1996. Above-ground productivity in Estonian energy forest plantations. Kogumikus: Short Rotation Willow Coppice for Renewable Energy and Improved Environment. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Department of Short Rotation Forestry. Report 57: 81 88. Kuusemets, V., Heinsoo, K., Sild, E., Koppel, A. 2001. Short rotation willow plantation for wastewater purification: case study at Aarike, Estonia. Kogumikus: Ecosystems and Sustainable Development II (Toimetajad Y. Villacampa, C.A. Brebbia, J.L. Usó). Southampton, Boston, WITpress: 61 68. Merilo, E., Heinsoo, K., Koppel, A. 2004. Estimation of leaf area index in a willow plantation. Proceedings of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, 53, 1: 3 13. Merilo, E., Heinsoo, K., Kull, O., Söderbergh, I., Lundmark, T., Koppel, A. 2006. Leaf photosynthetic properties in a willow (Salix viminalis and Salix dasyclados) plantation in response to fertilization. - European Journal of Forest Research, 125(2): 93-100. Noormets, A., Kull, O., Koppel, A. 1996. Nitrogen dynamics in Salix leaves during the first production year. Kogumikus: Short Rotation Willow Coppice for Renewable Energy and Improved Environment. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Department of Short Rotation Forestry. Report 57: 51 59. Ross, J., Ross, V., Koppel, A. 2000. Estimation of leaf area and its vertical distribution during rowth period. - Agricultural and Forest Metrology, 101: 237 246. Ambient Air Protection Act (RT I 1998, 41, 624; 1999, 10, 155) Energy Balance 2002-2007, Statistical Office of Estonian, 2007, 42 pp Estonian Energy 2002. Department of Economic Affairs and Communications Estonia. Tallinn 2003, 70 pp Electricity Market Act. (2003). Riigi Teataja (State Gazette) RTI 10 03. 2003, 25, 153 Laur, A. and Tenno, K. Main (2002) Features of Economic and Energy Sector Developments in 2002. Estonian Energy 2002. Long-term Development Plan for the Estonian Fuel and Energy Sector up to 2015 (with a vision to 2030), Tallinn 2002 (draft) National Environmental Strategy (1997) Tallinn 1997. National Energy Conservation Programme and Action Plan for Energy Conservation; Tallinn Pärt Enn Viimase paarikümne aasta raiemahud Metsakaitse- ja Metsauuenduskeskus; (http://www.zbi.ee/talkk/materjalid/ta%20lkk%2029052008%20enn%20part.pdf) Page 31 / 33

Raesaar, Peeter. Water Power in Estonia. Tallinn, 1999 Sustainable Development Act (RT1 I 1995, 31, 384; 1997, 48, 772; 1999, 29, 398; 2000, 54, 348) The Estonian National Environmental Strategy (RT I 1997, 26, 390) The Long-term National Development Plan for the Fuel and Energy Sector. Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tallinn, 1998 (RT I, 19, 295) Esop, M.-R., Liik, O. (1998) Analysis of CO2 emission reduction options in the Estonian energy system. // Baltic Electrical Engineering Review, I, 59-69. Fishbone, L.G. and Abilock, H. (1981) MARKAL, a linear-programming model for energy system analysis: Technical description of the BNL version. Int. Journal of Energy Research, vol. 5, no. 4, 353-375. Fishbone, L.G., Giesen, G., Goldstein, G., Hymmen, H.A., Stocks, K.J., Vos, H., Wilde, D., Zölcher, R., Balzer, C. and Abilock, H. (1983) User s Guide for MARKAL. (BNL-51701). Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York. Kallaste, T., Liik, O., Ots, A. (editors) (1999) Possible Energy Sector Trends in Estonia. Context of Climate Change. SEI-Tallinn, Tallinn Technical University, Tallinn: 190. Kull, A. (1996) Estonian wind atlas / Eesti tuuleatlas. Oidram, R. (2000) About possibility of wind energy in Estonia (Tuuleenergeetika võimalikkusest Eestis). Tallinna Tehnikaülikooli aastaraamat 1999. TTÜ kirjastus, Tallinn: 254 259. (in Estonian). Page 32 / 33

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