The forced shutdown of the plant cost consumers approximately 4.5 million euros.
The Auvere shale power plant, part of Enefit Power, has been stopped again due to a technical malfunction. This occurred three weeks after the completion of the previous repair.
As reported by the company's press secretary Elena Derbneva, this is a short-term maintenance operation aimed at addressing malfunctions in the steam regulators.
The company noted that the current market conditions allow for the work to be carried out without significant impact on the market. "Now, when electricity prices are lower, this is a good time for short-term technical maintenance," explained Derbneva.
The previous repair of the plant lasted about a month and was completed on February 4. According to the company's estimates, the forced shutdown cost consumers approximately 4.5 million euros.
Shale energy is the foundation of Estonia's energy sector, based on the combustion of oil shale (kukersite) in the northeast of the country. The main facilities are the Narva power plants (Estonian and Baltic thermal power plants) that meet a significant portion of the demand. Despite plans to phase out fossil fuels, shale units remain an important source of controllable energy.
Key aspects of Estonia's shale energy
Main facilities: The Narva power plants (Eesti Energia), including the Estonian (with a capacity of 1610 MW) and Baltic thermal power plants (839 MW), are the largest shale power plants in the world.
Production: Approximately 9–13 million tons of shale are mined annually for energy needs.
Current state: Due to EU environmental requirements and the development of renewable sources, the role of shale energy is decreasing. However, the Estonian government plans to use shale capacities until new, more environmentally friendly energy sources are put into operation.
Mining: The main mining sites are mines and quarries (including "Estonia" and "Narva") in the northeast of the country.
Ecology: The shale industry is the largest source of emissions, which is why the country is actively investing in modernization and transitioning to alternative sources.
Estonia is virtually the only country in the world that uses oil shale as its primary energy source.
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