Posts Tagged ‘Estonia’
Tallinn Airport is now carbon neutral
Since 2018, Tallinn Airport has reduced carbon emissions from its operations by 96%. An audit carried out under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) global carbon management certification programme has confirmed that the airport achieved carbon neutrality based on the actions adopted in 2024 (certified in 2025). To receive certification, the company was required to reduce its emissions by at least 90%, for us the remaining 4% – related to de-icing activities and employee business travel – permitted to be offset.
This substantial reduction in emissions represents a significant achievement, reflecting the effectiveness of the actions and commitment demonstrated by the company, its employees, and partners.
According to Anneli Turkin, Member of the Management Board of Tallinn Airport, Tallinn has for years served as a role model for other airports across Europe, particularly through its determination and tangible actions, which have now resulted in the achievement of carbon neutrality. “Since 2018, we have systematically collected data, calculated and reduced our carbon footprint, and involved our partners in the process. Everyone’s contribution has been invaluable, and the change in our employees’ behaviour has had a major impact – the CO₂e emissions per employee at Tallinn Airport have decreased from 38 tonnes to just 1.3 tonnes,” said Turkin, adding that he is extremely proud of the entire airport team.
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Originally published on 11 Dec
Read MoreEstonia completes its biggest battery storage facility
The Estonian power grid is steadily building up more resources to accommodate growing demand from smart industries and meet sustainability goals. A new major milestone in this transition has been reached this week, with the completion of a 200 MWh battery park in Kiisa, just south of Tallinn.
The €100M facility, built by Estonian company Evecon alongside French partners Corsica Sole and Mirova, features 54 battery containers and represents continental Europe’s largest battery storage complex.
Battery storage is becoming critical for modern electricity grids, especially as countries increase their use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which produce power intermittently. Estonia is actively utilising both, putting online large solar and wind installations. Soon, these massive batteries will act like a buffer, storing excess electricity when production is high and releasing it when demand peaks or renewable generation drops.
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Originally published on 12 Dec
Read MoreAll aboard Rail Baltica gets a political push
Rail Baltica—the multi-billion‑euro, European‑gauge rail line linking Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with the rest of the EU—remains on schedule for completion in 2030, the prime ministers from the three countries said on Friday. Meeting in Rīga, they provided a status report for the project and pledged that they would devote the time and money needed for it to be completed (and promised to get as much EU funding as they could get their hands on).
The unwavering backing for the project is a reassurance; the problem is that it is necessary at all. All major infrastructure construction goes over time and over budget, but Rail Baltica is more than a matter of prestige. Like their decoupling from the Russian power grid earlier this year, its construction reiterates to Moscow that the Baltics are EU territory and would make it harder for the Kremlin to bring them back into its sphere of influence. Reports that Latvia was considering saving money by retaining the Russian gauge on its part of the railway may just have been rumour, but the seriousness of the situation cannot be exaggerated.
(📸 Inga Ruginienė)
Read MoreThe Role of the Estonian Islands Energy Agency in Developing a New Biogas Plant
A new biogas plant is set to be completed in spring 2026 in the village of Tahula on Estonia’s largest island, Saaremaa. The facility’s purpose goes beyond renewable energy production: it aims to make better use of local resources and reduce reliance on imported energy. The Estonian Islands Energy Agency has played a significant role in preparing and developing the project, supporting the transition toward cleaner and more stable energy use across Estonian islands.
The Tahula biogas plant will use by-products from Saaremaa’s agricultural enterprises. These organic residues will be converted into biogas and further refined into biomethane. The resulting fuel can be used in transportation, industry, and district heating, thereby reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
A valuable by-product of the process is digestate ̶ a nutrient-rich material that farmers can use as fertilizer, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and helping maintain soil health.
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Originally published on 11 Dec
Read MoreCruise Season at the Port of Tallinn continues through winter
Today, on 10th of November the Port of Tallinn welcomes the cruise ship AIDAprima, operated by the German cruise line AIDA Cruises. The ship has brought around 3,600 passengers to explore autumnal Tallinn. The cruise began in Kiel, and after today’s stop in Tallinn, the vessel will depart at midnight for Helsinki.
AIDAprima is one of AIDA Cruises’ new-generation ships. The ship can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers and about 900 crew members. It is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships sailing the Baltic Sea. Onboard, guests can enjoy a wide range of restaurants, spa and entertainment facilities, and a spacious glass-roofed promenade area designed for year-round comfort.
Local tour operator Estonian Holidays is organising traditional bus and walking tours to introduce guests to Tallinn’s medieval Old Town. Special excursions also reach Pirita, Kadriorg, and even Anija Manor outside the city. For those seeking something different, a late-night ghost tour – “Secrets and Mystery of Tallinn Old Town by Night” – offers a thrilling way to experience the city after dark.
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Originally published on 10 Dec
Read MoreAI Accelerator helps nine startups strengthen business models and attract investment
A new batch has started their journey in the Tehnopol AI Accelerator – nine startups with a shared goal: to develop AI-based products and services that increase their competitiveness and provide real added value to society.
The accelerator program supports companies with a dedicated training series focused on the practical aspects of implementing artificial intelligence. In addition, teams work with mentors and experts who assist them in both technical development and business model refinement. The program concludes with a demo day, where teams can present their solutions to experts and potential follow-on investors.
The three teams with the greatest business potential will receive a development grant of €10,000.
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Originally published on 8 Dec
Read MoreBetting for the house Estonia lowers taxes for online casinos
Estonia’s Riigikogu has approved a phased-in reduction the tax it charges online casinos. Reducing the rate to 4% of gross revenue, from the current 6% is in keeping with the country’s efforts to cultivate a well-regulated offshore gambling industry. A previous proposal would have raised the rate a percentage point, but supporters in the government, led by Tanel Tein, worried that doing so would scare off potential investors.
Opponents fret that cutting the tax without any guarantees that the industry will see its revenues grow means Tallinn risks having less money for culture and sport. Critics also warn that more betting increases the risk that Estonia’s online casinos will be exploited by money launderers. Mr Tein managed to sell the lower rate by labelling it a “pro-growth pivot”, but dissenters within the government said only voted for it because of his threats to dissolve the government if they did not get in line. His high-stakes bid has paid off, for now.
Read MoreVok Bikes joins forces with Refactory of Renault Group to scale cargo bike production capacity tenfold
Vok Bikes and the Refactory of Renault Group announce new production agreement at the Flins plant to mass-produce Vok’s latest generation of four-wheeled e-cargo vehicles. Production of Vok’s bikes at Renault Group’s flagship hub for the circular economy will begin in the first quarter of 2026.
The new production line near Paris, France, enables Vok Bikes to scale production closer to key Western European markets, including the UK, France, and the Benelux region. This will reduce lead times, lower transport emissions, and speed up deployment for rapidly growing delivery fleets across London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rome, and other major urban centres.
Vok Bikes has created a new vehicle category where modified consumer e-bikes previously dominated. Built from the ground up for commercial use, Vok’s automotive-grade e-cargo vehicles offer a superior riding experience, stability, durability, and large cargo space. They are a reliable and scalable alternative to vans for large courier and logistics firms, as well as an ever-widening range of small businesses, including bakeries, cleaning services, gardeners, handymen, hotels, and campuses.
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Originally published on 4 Dec
Read MoreIKEA Group to invest in Estonian forest portfolio, eyes regional value chain growth
The Estonian timber industry is getting more and more world-class companies on board, thanks to its sustainable forestry practices, strategic location, and strong infrastructure. This week, Ingka Investments, IKEA Group’s investment arm, has secured approval to purchase 153,000 hectares of Baltic forest land for €720M, reports ERR.
The Estonian Competition Authority has approved the acquisition of forest assets from Swedish-owned Södra Forest Estonia, which encompasses 18,000 hectares in Estonia and 135,000 hectares in Latvia.
The transaction is described as a strategic move by IKEA to strengthen control over its wood supply chain, while also committing to regional value creation. Tauno Kusma, forestland country manager at Ingka Investments Estonia, said the company aims to increase the proportion of wood processed locally to strengthen the Baltic forestry value chain.
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Originally published on 4 Dec
Read MoreTallinn Airport Launches Extensive Expansion of the Passenger Terminal
Tallinn Airport is embarking on the largest development project in its history, expanding the passenger terminal to accommodate future growth. By 2030, the airport expects to serve nearly 5 million passengers a year — a volume that exceeds the capacity of the current terminal. The terminal expansion is divided into five stages to allow construction in different parts of the building at different times, with works continuing until 2030.
The existing terminal was designed to serve 2.8 million passengers per year, yet today more than 3.5 million people already pass through Tallinn Airport annually. By 2030, the number is projected to reach nearly 5 million. The total estimated cost of the development project is 75 million euros, making it the largest investment in the airport’s history. The exact cost will be determined after all procurement processes have been completed. “Most of the design work has now been finalised. Construction of the first phase inside the terminal has already begun, and the next major construction tender will be announced in mid-December with estimated cost of 50 million auros,” said Riivo Tuvike, Chairman of the Management Board of Tallinn Airport.
“This expansion provides a foundation for future developments, which is why we designed the new volumes to integrate naturally with the existing terminal’s architecture,” explained architect Jaan Kuusemets from Dagopen. “The northern extension and smaller additions continue the terminal’s parapet line and will eventually be tied together with an elegant ribbon façade. The roof shape, overall massing and height are derived from the proportions of the historical terminal, reinterpreted in a contemporary architectural language to create a balanced and context-sensitive composition.”
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Originally published on 3 Dec
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