Residents Concerned About Uncertainty Due to Estlink 3 Construction
Elering continues preparations for Estlink 3 and a fourth interconnection with Latvia, but residents are worried about a decade of limbo.
Estonian grid operator Elering is proceeding with the preparation of the new power bridge to Finland, Estlink 3, and a fourth cross-border connection with Latvia. Both projects are considered a single complex and, according to current estimates, could be implemented between 2038 and 2040. Local residents are concerned that they will be left in limbo for the next ten years.
Kristjan Tamm, deputy village elder, stated that the special planning organizer negotiates conditions with the landowner during the approval phase. The local government can express its opinion, but final decisions rest with the owner and the special planner. He acknowledged understanding and supporting the owners' concerns.
After the plans are approved, landowners will gain more clarity on land-use restrictions. The actual restricted zone will be narrower than the initially marked corridors – while a corridor of 120–140 meters is considered during planning, the real restriction zone will be about 80 meters.
Priit Hein, head of international connections development at Elering, emphasized that various studies can be conducted and different scenarios obtained, but the truth is that when making the investment decision in the early 2030s, they will try to rely on the most accurate knowledge available.
The Ministry of Climate noted that since the projects have been postponed, the decision on their implementation should also be made later. Energy Minister Andres Sutt remarked that decisions made ten years ago are not always relevant for the next ten years, and their necessity can be determined at the time of the investment decision.
