Estonia - World Nuclear Outlook Report
Nuclear policy and outlook
In June 2024, the Estonian parliament passed a resolution supporting the adoption of nuclear energy in the country. Estonia has joined the European Nuclear Alliance to promote the use of nuclear energy.
In June 2026, the Estonian parliament passed the Nuclear Energy and Safety Act. The Act establishes an independent nuclear regulator and creates a phased nuclear licensing system. An amendment during the Act's passage requires parliamentary approval before any nuclear construction can proceed.
Fermi Energia, a privately-owned Estonian developer, applied in January 2025 to begin state spatial planning for two GE Hitachi (now GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy) BWRX-300 units. Two candidate sites, both in the Virumaa region of northeastern Estonia, are under evaluation: Kunda in Viru-Nigula county and Aa in Lüganuse county.
Table Ee.1 Contributions to total capacity projection in 2050 (gross)
| 60 year operation (MWe) | 80 year operation (MWe) | Currently under construction capacity (MWe) | Planned capacity (MWe) | Proposed capacity (MWe) | Potential capacity (MWe) | Government capacity target (MWe) | Additional capacity* required to meet government target (MWe) | Total capacity (MWe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | 600 | - | - | - | 600 |
| *Capacity additional to operable, under construction, planned, proposed and potential capacities required to meet the government target. | ||||||||
Readiness Assessment
Estonia is making progress in terms of setting a policy framework with the passing of the Nuclear Energy and Safety Act. Delivery of 600 MWe of capacity by the middle of the next decade will require concerted progress on establishing institutions and infrastructure as well as on the Fermi Energia BWRX-300 project.
| Country Category | Candidate |
|---|---|
| Policy Framework Readiness | Moderate Parliament has endorsed preparations for nuclear power, comprehensive legislation has been passed, and government planning processes are underway. There is no set government capacity target. |
| Institutional & Infrastructure Readiness | Moderate Estonia has created the legal basis for a nuclear regulator, which is due to become operational in January 2027. |
| Programme & Project Development Readiness | Moderate Fermi Energia has selected the BWRX-300, initiated statutory site planning and assembled experienced international development partners. |
| Target Achievability | Low-Moderate Two units totalling 600 MWe by, or soon after, 2035 would require an efficient transition from site selection to licensing, financing and construction. (Assessed on the basis of the developer target.) |