Evecon, Mirova Launch Estonia's Largest Solar Park

To take it several steps forward into renewable energy, Estonia has launched the largest solar park in the Baltic region. The new solar facility located at Kirikmäe, Pärnu County, will have a capacity to generate 77.53 MW of electricity sufficient for 35,000 households. The new facility is being described as one of the biggest steps of rapid expansion of solar energy in Estonia and earmarks the beginning of the country's unflinching commitment to green energy. This is a collaboration between Evecon, one of the largest energy companies from Estonia, and Mirova-the leading sustainable investment firm from Paris. Together, through the Baltic Renewable Energy Platform (BREP), a collaborative initiative seeking financing and management of solar parks throughout the Baltics, they seek to fuel growth in renewable energy across the region. The Kirikmäe solar park is the latest, with many more solar parks over 100 MW planned in the years ahead. A Landmark Project for the Baltic Region The Kirikmäe solar park is double the size of the region's previous largest solar park and, therefore, a landmark project not just for Estonia but for the entire Baltic region. The construction of the solar park is a big achievement because it adds a lot to the renewable energy capacity in the Estonian energy market," said CEO of Evecon Karl Kull. "Together with Imavere and Lohu mets solar parks, which Evecon and Mirova opened also just a few days ago, some 100 MW of solar capacity will be added to the local market within one week.". This growth, in terms of capacity added, represents about 10 percent of the total solar energy produced in Estonia. The park covers 110 hectares with about 1,17,600 panels from Canadian Solar, a company that deals in high-performance photovoltaic (PV) modules. Each panel at Kirikmäe park will generate electricity in between 655 to 665 watts of electricity. Thus, the power generated from the panels will contribute toward the country's steps toward carbon reduction goals, enabling a decrease in reliance on fossil fuels and eventually establishing independence in energy. Estonia's Solar Energy Growth Estonia had nearly no significant solar capacity in 2020. However, as of 2024, Estonia ranked sixth in the European Union in terms of solar panel capacity per capita. Such rapid development is part of a larger national effort toward a transition to renewable energy. The Estonian government has already set its plans in motion with the intention of electrifying 100% from green sources by 2030, where the contribution of solar energy is going to be significant in reaching that goal. Estonia's growing interest in renewables for both environmental and energy security provides an example in the form of the Kirikmäe solar park. In the face of increasingly turbulent European energy supply chains because of tensions geopolitical, countries such as Estonia are positioning themselves to become energy-independent with investments in local bases of renewable resources. Estonia is already a Baltic front-runner in this game of green energy, given its superabundance of solar resources. Kirikmäe Solar Park Construction Kirikmäe solar park was completed within six months, with 250 builders. The construction is fast, especially considering the scale of that type of project. Usually, large projects involve serious logistics issues. Speed of construction can be seen in the interest of how interested Estonia is in speeding the transition to its green energy. On its side, Estonian energy company, Evecon, has gone beyond its obligations by promising 0.6 percent of park revenue to the local local municipality around it. At this, though not by law, is a good indication that the companies do care about the community in which they work and ensure the benefits of the project are shared locally. Joint venture with Mirova for Sustainable Growth Mirova, a Paris-based sustainable finance firm, played a big role in delivering the Kirikmäe solar park. Mirova is involved in financing sustainable and environmentally friendly projects in Europe. "This project will significantly reduce emissions in the region and promote energy independence for the Baltic countries through Mirova," the company stated. The deal between Evecon and Mirova, via the Baltic Renewable Energy Platform, would be an enduring commitment to adding more solar capacity in Estonia. Given the expectation of more solar parks in the future, this deal is going to add more renewable energy output in Estonia while also meeting the sustainability requirements set by the EU. Future of Solar Power in Estonia As Estonia continues to expand its solar energy infrastructure, it is well on its way to meeting its ambitious goal of 100 per cent green energy by 2030. All the recent action of Kirikmäe solar park, just as other recent solar projects, marks the levels of development that are moving in that direction. Addition of over 100 MW of solar capacity within a week to end leaves Estonia at a scaling path of renewable energy solutions, however fast. It fits perfectly with the efforts of the European Union to address global warming. In the future, Estonia will have a great role in the region's energy because its efforts in renewable infrastructure will support the efforts of the EU to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy alternatives. Therefore, the Kirikmäe solar park supports Estonia in energy self-sufficiency at the same time to motivate the entire region towards attaining sustainability. More companies like Evecon and Mirova, cooperating to bring to life renewable energy projects, will see the Baltic region leading green energy innovation. Source: Mirova