The Riigikogu approved a law that established a legal framework for the peaceful production and use of nuclear energy in Estonia.
The law lays down the rules for the selection of the location of a nuclear power plant, its construction, testing and operation, as well as its decommissioning and the final disposal of nuclear waste.
The functions of the national nuclear regulator, along with all the rights and responsibilities associated with its role, shall be established under the Consumer Protection and Technical Surveillance Authority. Among other things, the Act establishes a tiered permitting system for the construction of the plant, consisting of a preliminary assessment, a construction permit, a testing permit, an operating permit, and a decommissioning permit. The nuclear regulator shall commence operations according to the Act on 1 January 2027.
The law also established the principle that the founder and operator of the nuclear power plant bear full responsibility for the safety of the facility and for the costs arising at the end of its lifecycle. A national decommissioning fund will be established for the decommissioning of the nuclear power plant, into which the operator will collect money during the plant's operating period for the demolition of the plant and the final disposal of waste. The law also stipulates the principles of nuclear security, physical protection, emergency preparedness, and the implementation of international control measures.
During the proceedings, the Riigikogu amended the law by adding a further political decision-making stage to the procedure for constructing a nuclear power plant – in addition to the nuclear regulator and the government, the Riigikogu must also give its approval for the construction of a nuclear power plant.
Initiated by the government The Nuclear Energy and Safety Act (856 SE63 voted in favour, 10 against, and one Riigikogu member abstained.