Baltics hit 20% wind power as Estonia struggles with fossil fuel costs

Wind power supplied a fifth of the Baltics' electricity in February, according to new figures from Enefit. The data highlights the region's growing reliance on renewables as climate concerns push Europe toward cleaner energy. Estonia, however, still faces challenges due to its dependence on fossil fuels and imported power. Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, a member of the European Court of Auditors, has stressed that tackling climate change remains a top priority for Europe. She pointed to €162 billion in economic losses across the EU over the past five years, directly linked to climate-related damage. At the same time, global investment in renewables now outpaces fossil fuels by a factor of two.

In Estonia, high electricity prices reflect the country's continued use of fossil fuel-based generation and reliance on imports. Pentus-Rosimannus warned that reverting to oil shale—a once-dominant energy source—would be impractical, overly costly for consumers, and ultimately unsustainable. She also noted that Estonia's energy security is closely tied to broader European stability. Recently, Pentus-Rosimannus led a high-profile report on critical raw materials for the EU, drawing attention from 130 journalists at its launch. She welcomed Europe's shift away from excessive bureaucracy toward more focused green policies, calling it a necessary step for long-term progress.

The Baltics' increasing wind energy share signals a broader transition, but Estonia's energy costs remain tied to older fossil fuel systems. With climate-related damages mounting and renewables attracting more investment, the push for sustainable solutions is set to continue. Pentus-Rosimannus' warnings underline the economic and environmental risks of clinging to outdated energy models.