Shale oil: Estonian exceptionalism

摘要

With an energy sector dominated by a single primary source of energy, shale oil from its bituminous rocks, Estonia is the exception rather than the rule in the EU. But Tallinn is keen to reduce the share of this indigenous resource and diversify its energy mix by shifting the focus onto three key areas: improved energy efficiency; stepping up the use of biomass to produce heat and electricity; and diversifying its gas supply by building a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. All these measures are being closely reviewed by the International Energy Agency (IEA), which has just released recommendations on Estonia's energy policy before agreeing to take it into its fold.