The Viru-Nigula municipality signed a notarial contract of obligations on Wednesday, May 13, with Fermi Energia AS for the conditional transfer of the Madala property to Fermi Energia, in the event that the national special planning process determines that the Madala property near the port of Kunda is the most suitable location for a nuclear power plant. The signing follows the Viru-Nigula Municipality Council's decision of March 26 to transfer the property to Fermi Energia under agreed principal terms. The decision was supported by 15 council members.
The transfer of the property is subject to several conditions, and the final transaction will only take place if the national planning process, safety assessments, and required permits confirm the suitability of the site. The agreement also includes mechanisms to ensure fair compensation and long-term benefits for the municipality.
According to Viru-Nigula Mayor Einar Vallbaum, the agreement is significant for the municipality's development. "If the national special planning process identifies the Kunda area as the most suitable location for a nuclear power plant, the associated benefits must also reach the people of Viru-Nigula. It is important to us that any potential investments and new jobs support local business and the long-term development of the entire region," said Vallbaum.
Viru-Nigula Municipality will receive a reservation fee from Fermi Energia throughout the national special planning process — €20,000 per year in the first phase and €50,000 per year in the second phase, indexed to the consumer price index. The sale price of the property will be determined based on valuations from five independent appraisers, taking into account the value of the area. The price will not reflect any value increase resulting from the planning process itself, as Fermi Energia bears the costs of the planning activities.
The agreement also includes a number of commitments to support local community development, which will take effect following the conclusion of the property rights transaction. Between 2030 and 2037, Fermi Energia will invest at least €5 million in improving the local living environment, including the development of education, sports, and community infrastructure. A fund of at least €5 million will also be established to help nuclear power plant employees relocate to the area, and the construction of a nuclear energy visitor and education center is planned. Additionally, restrictions on forest management at the Madala property have been agreed upon in order to preserve the noise buffer protecting a white-tailed eagle nest on a neighboring property.
According to Fermi Energia Chairman of the Board Kalev Kallemets, this represents an important step in a long-term planning process. "Building a nuclear power plant is a multi-year, thorough process in which each subsequent step requires clarity on both the location and the conditions. The municipal council's decision and this contract of obligations create a clear framework for that," said Kallemets.
Fermi Energia Board Member Diana Revjako noted that the Viru-Nigula community has shown remarkable interest and substantive engagement. "People's active participation in information sessions and discussions shows that the community wants to understand how a nuclear power plant might fit into the region and what its potential impacts and benefits for local life might be. Since 2020, we have organized dozens of meetings in the municipality and discussed various aspects of nuclear energy with local residents, and we will continue this dialogue in the next stages of the national special planning process," added Revjako. we will continue this dialogue in the subsequent stages of the national spatial plan,Lisa's review.
Tuumajaama The nuclear power plant planning area covers parts of Haljala Parish, the City of Rakvere, Rakvere Parish, Vinni Parish, and Viru-Nigula Parish in Lääne-Viru County, as well as Kohtla-Järve City, Lüganuse Parish, and Jõhvi Parish (Toila Parish and Jõhvi Parish merged in 2025) in Ida-Viru County, and the adjacent sea area from Kunda Bay to Narva Bay. In addition to the nuclear power plant site itself, the planning area must accommodate the infrastructure necessary for the plant's operation, including power lines, access roads, and cooling systems. The total planning area is approximately 1,285 km². The infrastructure required for the operation of the plant, including power lines, access roads and cooling systems, must also be planned for the location of the nuclear power plant. The planning area size is approximately 1285 km².2.