We are advising the Estonian Ministry of the Environment on the possibility of introducing nuclear energy in Estonia. Our analysis focuses on the human resource requirements of the key organisations that would play roles in developing a new nuclear power program in Estonia.
Informed decision for moving forward
In the Fall of 2022, the Estonian Ministry of Environment launched a dedicated working group, tasked with analysing the possibility of introducing nuclear energy in Estonia by analysing all aspects of the deployment of nuclear energy prescribed by the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Based on the work of the working group an official decision in principle about the use of nuclear energy in Estonia will be made by the end of 2023.
Based in large part on our unparalleled experience with nuclear power, we were involved in the project to develop the best strategy for moving forward, as well as to analyse the necessary legal framework, including the tasks and resources of existing government agencies, thus, mapping any missing capabilities needed for creating a supervisory board in the nuclear field. The analysis conducted is limited by the legal framework of the IAEA, which Estonia must harmonise into its own law (if it is decided in favor of building a nuclear power plant).
Landmark project
This matter is of national interest, as together with the help of external experts, we are creating the basis for the development of nuclear energy in Estonia. The matter is also extremely challenging as currently, no legislation about nuclear energy exists in Estonia.
Furthermore, in order to achieve carbon reduction targets, a country’s energy portfolio must include a managed form of carbon-free energy that does not require subsidization. Due to the lack of mountain rivers, only nuclear energy can be this energy in Estonia.
Our services and client team
As a part of our work on this matter, we organised the visit of world-renown leaders in nuclear safety and regulation – Ian Grant and Helen Cook to Estonia to conduct an analysis for the creation of the Estonian Nuclear Safety Commission. Based on the insight of external experts, we are now researching existing legislation for the needed regulations and, if they are not in place, providing an analysis of how to implement the needed changes.
As a whole, the report prepared by our team provides estimates of the overall human resource requirements of the key organisations that would play roles in the development of a new nuclear power program in Estonia, surveys the expected availability of skills in the national workforce, and proposes strategies to address identified skills gaps. The report contributes to the comprehensive study led by the Nuclear Energy Working Group (NEPIO), supporting the Government of Estonia in making an informed decision on embarking on a new nuclear power program.
Our client team is led by senior associate Sandra Mikli.