Renewable energy covered almost a third of energy consumption in third quarter

In the third quarter, Estonian power stations generated 572 gigawatt hours of renewable energy which is 5% less when compared to the same period of the previous year. Electricity from renewable sources constituted 30 per cent of Estonian electricity consumption.

Over nine months, renewable energy covered 29 per cent of electricity consumption and constituted 35 per cent of Estonian electricity production.

The decrease in the gross renewable energy production in the third quarter was due to a smaller volume of wind and biomass energy. However, the volume and proportion of solar energy increased.

Electricity produced from biomass, biogas and waste constituted 47 per cent of renewable energy in the third quarter. From July to September, these fuel types were used to generate 273 gigawatt hours of electricity and subsidies in the amount of 8.4 million euros were paid.

In the third quarter, the volume of electricity from solar panels that was fed into the network was 197 gigawatt hours and subsidies amounted to 10.1 million euros. Production and subsidies have increased by half year-on-year due to additional solar panels and very sunny summer months.

The number of solar panel owners receiving subsidies will continue its growth in the coming years as the winners of reverse auctions have generally been solar parks and the construction of new solar parks is expected.

Wind energy made up 17 per cent or 101 gigawatt hours of renewable energy generated in the third quarter which is 35 per cent less when compared to the same period of the previous year. In the third quarter, 63 per cent of wind energy generated met subsidy conditions and the subsidies amounted to 3.5 million euros. Since the beginning of the year, payments in the extent of 55 per cent from 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 40,000 euros.

From July to September, renewable energy producers received a total of 22 million euros in subsidies which is within the same range as in the same quarter of the previous year. Subsidies for high-efficiency cogeneration amounted to 381,000 euros which is half the amount paid one year ago.

The subsidies for renewable energy and high-efficiency cogeneration are financed by electricity consumers via the renewable energy charge. This year, Elering has collected charges in the amount of 66.1 million euros and paid out 72.4 million euros in subsidies. More detailed information about the subsidy amounts for renewable energy can be found in the Register of State Aid and De Minimis Aid maintained by the Ministry of Finance (https://www.rahandusministeerium.ee/et/riigiabi).