Renewable energy covered more than a third of consumption in the third quarter of the year

In the third quarter, Estonian power stations generated 620 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy, which is two percent more compared to the same period of the previous year. Electricity generated from renewable sources comprised 36 percent of Estonian electricity consumption.

Over nine months, renewable energy covered 35 percent of electricity consumption and constituted 55 percent of Estonian electricity production.

The increase in the proportion of renewable energy of the total production was related to a decrease in the generation of electricity from fossil fuels. The proportion and production of solar power in renewable energy increased, but the generation of electricity from biomass was lower compared to the same period in the previous year. In the third quarter, the volume of electricity from solar panels that was fed into the network was 261 gigawatt-hours and subsidies amounted to 10.1 million euros. Thanks to the addition of new solar panels, generation has increased by 17 percent year-over-year. The total capacity of solar panels installed in Estonia amounts to over 700 megawatts.

Electricity produced from biomass, biogas and waste constituted 35 percent of renewable energy in the third quarter. From July to September, these fuel types were used to generate 219 gigawatt hours of electricity and subsidies in the amount of 6.5 million euros were paid.

Wind energy comprised 22 percent – 139 gigawatt-hours – of renewable energy generated in the third quarter, which is 37 percent more compared to the same period of the previous year. In the third quarter, subsidies were paid for generated wind energy in the amount of 3.9 million euros. Since the beginning of the year, payments in the extent of 47 percent of the annual limit of 600 gigawatt-hours of wind energy have been made, and it is projected that the limit will not be met this year.

This year, only one gigawatt-hour of hydroelectric power was generated in the third quarter and subsidies amounted to 36,000 euros.

From July to September, renewable energy producers received a total of 21 million euros in subsidies, which is eight percent less than in the same period of the previous year. Subsidies for high-efficiency cogeneration amounted to 539,000 euros, which is 30 percent more than in the previous year.

The renewable energy and efficient co-generation subsidies are financed by power consumers through the renewable energy charge. Thus far in this year, Elering has collected charges in the amount of 66.6 million euros and paid out 59.7 million euros in subsidies. Detailed information concerning the renewable energy subsidy amounts are available in the Register of State Aid and De Minimis Aid administered by the Ministry of Finance (https://www.fin.ee/riigihanked-riigiabi-osalused-kinnisvara/riigiabi).

Electricity generation data is available in detail on the website of Elering at the address https://elering.ee/toodang-ja-prognoos.