Rohepööre

Rohepööre is the Estonian term for the broad transition of the energy system, transport, and economy away from fossil fuels toward low-carbon energy sources and technologies. It aligns with the European Green Deal and EU climate targets to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century.

In Estonia, the term has been widely used in public discourse and government strategy since the 2010s to describe policies for decarbonizing electricity, heating, transport, and industry, including modernization of the grid, increased renewable energy, electrification, and energy efficiency measures.

Key components of rohepööre include decarbonization of power generation by retiring coal plants and expanding wind, solar, and biomass; electrification of transport with charging networks; decarbonization of heating through district heating upgrades, heat pumps, and other low-carbon solutions; and improvements in energy efficiency. Sector coupling and the development of smart grids and energy storage are also central to the approach.

Policy tools used to advance rohepööre include carbon pricing, subsidies and tenders, state investments supported by EU funds, regulatory standards, building renovation programs, and measures to integrate electricity, heating, and transport sectors.

Criticism and challenges involve the cost to households, regional disparities, the need for substantial investment in grid expansion and storage, energy security concerns, and questions about the availability of critical minerals and the pace of change. Ongoing debate focuses on the optimal speed, funding, and social impacts of the transition.

The term is used in official documents and political discourse to describe Estonia’s climate and energy strategy and its alignment with EU policy goals, while also reflecting broader discussions about transition pathways and their effects.