Põlevkivienergeetika

Põlevkivienergeetika refers to the energy sector in Estonia that utilizes oil shale as its primary fuel source for electricity generation. Estonia is one of the few countries in the world that relies heavily on oil shale for its power production. This unique energy system has historical roots and remains a significant part of Estonia's industrial landscape and energy independence strategy.

The process involves extracting oil shale, a sedimentary rock rich in organic matter, from mines. This mined oil shale is then combusted in specialized power plants to produce heat, which in turn generates steam to drive turbines and produce electricity. The largest oil shale power plants are located in the northeastern part of Estonia, close to the main oil shale deposits.

While põlevkivienergeetika has provided Estonia with a reliable and domestically sourced energy supply, it also presents environmental challenges. The combustion of oil shale releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change. Additionally, the mining process can impact the local environment. Estonia has been investing in technologies to mitigate these emissions and improve the efficiency of its oil shale power plants, as well as exploring alternative energy sources to diversify its energy mix. The future of põlevkivienergeetika is subject to ongoing debate and policy developments aimed at balancing energy security with environmental sustainability.