The Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications Juhan Parts replied to the interpellation No 509 concerning Eesti Energia’s project in Jordan, submitted on September 23 by Members of the Riigikogu Toomas Varek, Kalev Kallo, Lembit Kaljuvee, Valeri Korb, Eldar Efendijev, Tiit Kuusmik, Olga Sõtnik and Aivar Riisalu.
The Minister explained that Jordan possesses one of the world’s largest oil shale deposits which holds an approximate 40–80 billion tons. The location of the deposits in the earth’s crust favours open digging. Parts sees all these factors contributing to the growing interest in exploiting the deposits. He stressed that the most renowned companies worldwide have expressed their interest. “The research conducted by Eesti Energia as well as by other companies has shown that it is possible to develop oil shale mining in Jordan in a profitable way if the price of oil exceeds USD 60 per barrel,” Parts said. Eesti Energia is using the new ENEFIT shale oil processing technology which has been perfected to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Parts said that the use of this technology allows producing oil as well as power, while the low environmental impact and high efficiency make it possible to use up all the oil shale, which is the unique feature of this technology. Parts attributed the heightened interest around the world to this.
Auditor General Mihkel Oviir replied to the interpellation No 507 concerning election advertising financed by the Estonian Real Property Owners Central Union, submitted on September 22 by the Members of the Riigikogu Helle Kalda, Marika Tuus, Inara Luigas, Vladimir Velman, Nelli Privalova, Olga Sõtnik, Toivo Tootsen, Nikolai Põdramägi and Ain Seppik.
The Minister of the Environment Jaanus Tamkivi replied to the interpellation No 508 concerning activities of waterworks company AS Emajõe Veevärk, submitted on September 23 by the Members of the Riigikogu Marika Tuus, Valeri Korb, Kalev Kallo, Toivo Tootsen and Heimar Lenk.
On the motion of the Finance Committee, the
Bill on Amendments to the State Funeral Benefits Act and § 15 of the Value Added Tax Act (
786 SE), initiated by the Members of the Riigikogu Mai Treial, Ester Tuiksoo, Toomas Varek and Ain Seppik, was removed from the agenda of the Tuesday sitting.
During the open microphone, Heimar Lenk took the floor.
The Riigikogu Press Service