The Riigikogu passed the Nuclear Energy and Safety Act
The Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) passed the Act that will establish a legal framework for the production and use of peaceful nuclear energy in Estonia.
The Act sets out the rules for selecting the location of a nuclear power plant and for its construction, testing, and operation, as well as the rules for its decommissioning, and the final disposal of nuclear waste.
The function of the national nuclear regulator, along with all the rights and obligations associated with that role, will be established under the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority. Among other things, the Act establishes a phased licensing system for the construction of a plant, consisting of a preliminary assessment, a construction license, a testing license, an operating license, and a decommissioning license. According to the Act, the nuclear regulator will begin operations on 1 January 2027.
The Act also establishes the principle that the developer and operator of a nuclear power plant will bear full responsibility for the safety of the facility and for the costs incurred at the end of its life cycle. A national decommissioning fund will be established for the decommissioning of the nuclear power plant; during the plant’s operational life, the operator will contribute funds to it for dismantling the plant and the final disposal of waste. The Act also provides for the principles of nuclear security, physical protection, emergency preparedness, and the implementation of international safeguards.
During the proceedings, the Riigikogu amended the Act by introducing an additional level of political decision-making to the procedure for constructing a nuclear power plant – in addition to the nuclear regulator and the government, the Riigikogu will also have to give its approval when a decision on the construction of a nuclear power plant is made.
The Nuclear Energy and Safety Act (856 SE), initiated by the Government, was passed with 63 votes in favour and 10 against, and there was one abstention.
Riigikogu Press Service
Maris Meiessaar
+372 631 6353, +372 5558 3993
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