Estonia hopes to select nuclear plant site by spring
Estonia's Economic Affairs Ministry is weighing six potential coastal sites near Kunda and Lüganuse for a future nuclear power plant, aiming to reach a decision by spring.
Estonia continues searching for the best location to build a nuclear power plant, with all candidate sites located along the coast, according to ERR News. The key requirement is access to sufficient cooling water — since the country has no river with a strong enough flow, seawater is the only viable option.
Agnes Lihtsa, adviser on land and spatial policy at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, explained that the selection process involves 40 criteria based on guidelines from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These cover nuclear safety, geological and hydrological conditions, environmental and natural value impacts, as well as socio-economic factors.
Six sites under review
Six potential locations near Kunda and Lüganuse are currently being assessed, with three specific construction sites identified near the two towns. A stable bedrock is essential, making geological conditions a major consideration. Proximity to the power grid also matters — two possible connection points have been identified at substations near Rakvere and Püssi — as is closeness to ports, which would simplify delivery of nuclear fuel and construction materials.
Lihtsa noted that officials are trying to find a site with the lowest possible population density nearby, since residents generally do not want a nuclear plant close to their homes.
Public feedback
In August, the ministry held public consultations to gather input from local residents and received a wide range of responses — from brief statements opposing a nearby plant to detailed letters spanning dozens of pages. Residents' main concerns centered on how the plant might affect property values, groundwater, and the environment.
The submitted feedback is still being reviewed, but it is already clear that the ministry will need to explain its site-comparison methodology more clearly to ensure public understanding of how locations are being evaluated and chosen. The ministry hopes to make sufficient progress by spring to select a construction site.
