Renewable energy output grows in Q3 due to favourable wind conditions and sunny weather

In Q3, Estonian power plants generated 402 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy, which was more than one-firth more than in the same period last year. Renewable energy made up 19 per cent of the total power consumption in Estonia last quarter.

Estonia has set 16.1 per cent as its target level for renewable energy this year. Over the three quarters so far this year, renewable energy has made up 16.3 per cent of consumption.

The growth in the quantity and share of renewable energy was supported by increased wind energy, which made up 36 per cent of total renewable energy production in Q3. The 143 gigawatt-hours generated was more than 10 per cent more than last year.

Producers have received a total of 17.4 million euros in subsidies for wind energy from January to September of this year, which is 35 per cent less than in the same period last year. In Q3, 82 per cent of wind energy output was subsidized, totalling 6.3 million euros. During nine months of 2018, disbursements have been made in regard to 56 per cent of the 600-gigawatt-hour limit on subsidization of wind energy.

Electricity from biomass, biogas and waste made up 63 per cent of renewable energy output in the last three months. A total 253 gigawatt-hours of electricity was generated from these categories of fuel, which is one-quarter more than the same period last year. A total of close to 14 million euros in subsidies was paid for electricity generated from biomass, biogas and waste, and the amount paid over nine months is a total 38 million euros.

Only one gigawatt-hour of electricity was produced from hydroelectric energy in Q3 due to low rainfall; subsidies totalled 33,380 euros.

The number of solar panel owners who receive subsidies continues to grow. In Q3 of this year, a total 5 gigawatt-hours of electricity was generated by solar panels and fed into the network. Due to the increased number of solar panels, the figure has more than tripled year-over-year. There were also more hours of sunshine than last year, according to the weather service.

As most solar energy generated is consumed by the microproducers themselves on site, the amount of electricity generated from the sun and fed to the network and subsidized may be 4-5 times greater.

About 75 per cent less efficient co-generation subsidies was paid out in Q3 compared to the same time last year largely thanks to the warm weather and low heating loads. The total was 116,000 euros. About four gigawatt-hours of power was produced in efficient co-generation mode.

The renewable energy and efficient co-generation subsidies are financed by consumers through the renewable energy fee. Elering garnered 15.4 million euros in this fee in Q3 and paid out 20.3 million euros in subsidies. More details about the renewable energy subsidies are available on the Elering website.