KC Energy

🌱🇪🇪 To achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and 100% renewable electricity consumption by 2030, we must support electricity consumers! Estonia's Ministry of Climate's draft Energy Development Plan 2035 (ENMAK) promises ambitious goals: affordable electricity, massive renewable energy capacity expansion, and enhanced energy security. However, recent analyses and more realistic projections raise questions about the feasibility of these objectives. In his latest opinion piece for Äripäev, Mihkel Loorits, CEO of KC Energy, explores the potential impacts of the current energy action plan on electricity prices and offers solutions to keep Estonia's renewable energy transition on track.🎯 Read the full article here: 

❗Estonian businesses criticize energy development plan: questions over economic competitiveness and unrealistic projections 🔋 Estonia's Ministry of Climate's draft Energy Development Plan 2035 (ENMAK) has received significant critical feedback from business leaders. In its feedback to the draft plan, the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated that significant revisions are needed, starting with the overall goal. The plan's objective is currently worded as ensuring a secure energy sector in line with climate policy goals, but it lacks any reference to improving the competitiveness of Estonia's economy. The Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has pointed out that the plan's assumption of electricity consumption doubling is unlikely. KC Energy’s CEO, Mihkel Loorits, echoes this sentiment. “Our electricity consumption has been in the range of 8.0-8.9 TWh in recent years. ENMAK predicts a nearly two-fold increase to 15.4 TWh over the next decade. While we all want to see new, large industries in Estonia to boost our economy, there are no signs from the Ministry of Economic Affairs or foreign investment data suggesting such high demand from industrial consumers,” said Loorits. Additionally, Estonian Cell, a major player in the Estonian economy, emphasized that the ambition for renewable electricity should align with the country’s economic competitiveness, rather than rushing ahead of EU targets or neighboring countries’ ambitions. Estonian Cell’s CFO, Siiri Lahe, highlighted Finland’s approach, which prioritizes balancing electricity prices with increasing renewable energy capacity, while ensuring energy efficiency and protecting vulnerable consumers. Loorits also warned that Estonia's electricity prices will not decrease under the current plan but are set to rise. “The combination of subsidies and increased network fees could push prices above 200 €/MWh.” 👉 Read more about the article on ERR:

🔆 Incredible work in Germany!🔆 The biggest PV project in Europe has been completed. Our colleagues at KC Energy in Germany are doing truly impressive work in the solar energy sector. Their 500-hectare solar park is as large as the town of Põlva! 🌞A special shout-out to our team – Pihlaka Solar Park, KC Energy's largest project to date, spans 83 hectares, nearly the size of Tallinn's Old Town. 🌞

🔋 KC Energy's vision for Estonia's sustainable energy future👇🏼 In a recent article for ERR, our CEO Mihkel Loorits, outlines an urgent call for a holistic approach to Estonia's energy transition. As the global climate crisis escalates, it's clear that we must not only aim for 100% renewable energy by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050, but also ensure that our strategies are balanced, inclusive and realistic. The proposed subsidies for offshore wind, which could lead to higher electricity prices. With energy consumption in Estonia not growing as expected, it's important to recalibrate our forecasts for sustainable growth. 🛡️𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆: Geopolitics is increasingly influencing energy decisions. For example, restrictions on offshore wind development due to security concerns are an important consideration. These factors need to be integrated into any energy strategy. Estonia has a unique opportunity to integrate hybrid energy solutions - combining solar, wind and storage - for greater energy security. Municipalities and local communities can benefit from off-grid solutions to ensure resilience during power outages. ☀️🌬️🔋 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿-𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁:  Redirecting subsidies from producers to consumers, giving them the power to choose green energy sources and secure price stability. A major gap in today’s system is the focus on supporting producers over consumers. This shift could provide the price certainty needed to boost investment in renewable energy and give businesses the competitive edge they need to thrive in global markets. Read the full article in ERR to learn more about how we can achieve a greener, more secure, and economically viable energy future. #KCenergy #EnergyTransition #SustainableEnergy #RenewableEnergy #EnergySecurity #ClimateAction #GreenEnergy #Estonia #FutureOfEnergy

🌞 Exciting News! 🌞 We are thrilled to announce that the first phase of the Pihlaka solar park will be completed on 12 December, marking a significant step forward in renewable energy production for Estonia! 🇪🇪 Located near Kehra, this solar park was financed by the EBRD and, once fully operational, will play a crucial role in reducing Estonia’s carbon footprint. The completed part of the solar park will have a generating capacity of 7.5 MW. The second part of the project will be installed by March. The second part will have a generating capacity of 45 MW and will start producing electricity for the grid in August 2025. When completed, the Pihlaka solar park will have a total generating capacity of 52.5 MW, making it one of the largest solar farms in Estonia!  The solar park spans an area of 83 hectares— the size of Tallinn's Old Town.

Our CEO Mihkel Loorits highlighted the main challenges in solar energy production development at yesterday's "Solar Opportunities" panel at the Baltic & Nordic Energy Summit in Tallinn: 👉𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 & 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. Solar energy continues to lead as the fastest-growing renewable energy source in the Baltic region (2024). It stands out for its flexibility, low environmental impact, and potential for cross-land use, making it the easiest and quickest form of green energy to bring to market. 👉 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆. Technological advancements and reduced costs have accelerated solar energy growth. The future competitiveness of solar will be further enhanced by battery storage solutions, whose prices are becoming increasingly affordable, supporting a more consistent energy supply. 👉 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀. To sustain renewable energy growth, market regulation should avoid support measures that may favor certain energy types, which can distort competition and affect investments. Solar energy provides significant cross-use opportunities, allowing it to be paired with wind and storage to maximize efficiency. 👉 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲. Solar energy revenue sustainability starts from right location selection and right and efficent project design. Ongoing technological progress for growing Energy conversion efficiency and production, Coupling with ohter technologies like BESS and Wind. Rising consumer demand for green energy, especially solar, is evident. Direct contracts with end users not only ensure a steady revenue stream but also meet the market’s preference for quick, flexible implementation.

🌞KC Energy is thrilled to be part of the 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗰 & 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 – happening tomorrow! We're thrilled to join an esteemed panel discussion focusing on the future of solar energy in the Baltic and Nordic regions. Our CEO, Mihkel Loorits, will be joining experts to explore the opportunities, technologies, and challenges in integrating solar power into the evolving energy landscape. This dynamic conversation will cover:  -Solar energy potential in the region -Innovative technologies driving the sector forward -Strategies for integrating solar into existing energy frameworks 📅 When: Tomorrow, November 12, 2024, at 12:30 📍 Where: Swissotel Tallinn #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #BalticNordicSummit #SolarPower #CleanEnergy #RenewableFuture

Join us as a development manager for wind energy projects 🌱 Are you passionate about renewable energy and eager to contribute to a sustainable future? Join KC Energy and lead the way in wind energy development! What We’re Looking For: Higher Education: A degree in planning, environment, mechanics, electrical  engineering, or a related field is a plus. 🎓 Experience: At least 2 years of experience in wind energy development, project management, or large-scale power installations. Expertise: Familiarity with renewable energy projects or construction management, and strong knowledge of wind turbine components, types, and manufacturers. Legal Knowledge: Understanding of building law, electricity market law and planning law. Language Skills: Excellent command of Estonian and English. 🇪🇪&🇬🇧 Wind energy needs your leadership – are you up for the challenge? 🔗More info: https://lnkd.in/dNynZuny

🌍 𝐀 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 & 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧 In a surprising yet thought-provoking decision, our NATO ally Sweden has opted to cancel plans for 13 offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea, a move driven by escalating security concerns related to the threat from Russia. This news underscores the complex interplay between energy security, national defense, and the rapid push for renewable energy. As one of Europe’s leaders in renewable energy, with 69% of its electricity generated from sustainable sources, Sweden’s commitment to green energy has been impressive. Yet, as these most latest developments highlight, even the most ambitious sustainability efforts must sometimes adapt to the realities of a shifting geopolitical landscape. “The government believes that it would lead to unacceptable consequences for Sweden’s defense to build the current projects in the Baltic Sea area,” country’s Defense Minister Pål Jonson said at a press conference on Monday. According to the Swedish Armed Forces' analysis, a wind farm could delay the detection of, for example, a cruise missile launched against Sweden by one minute. Furthermore, reducing detection time from 2 minutes to 60 seconds makes a significant difference for civilians to take shelter or for the Armed Forces to intercept a missile. The reason is that the towers and rotating blades of the wind turbines produce extensive radar echoes and other interference. Since underwater sensors are also affected, the ability to detect a hostile submarine is reduced as well. “This is not something we can accept given today’s threat landscape and our responsibility to Sweden as a nation," said Lieutenant General Carl-Johan Edström, Chief of the Defense Staff of the Swedish Armed Forces, in a press conference last Friday. This difficult choice serves as a reminder that energy independence and national security are intrinsically linked, especially in today’s increasingly volatile global environment. While renewable energy remains a top priority, Sweden’s decision emphasizes the importance of situating these developments in areas that align with national defense needs. As we continue pushing forward with renewable projects worldwide, how can we better balance our energy goals with the need for robust national security? This is a question for policymakers, energy innovators and defense experts alike. 📖𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 (no paywall).  🗺️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. #RenewableEnergy #Geopolitics #NationalSecurity #EnergyTransition https://lnkd.in/dy6uZp9u

🌞 Biodiversity Projects at KC Energy Solar Parks in Estonian nature show Osoon🌞 In August Estonian nature show Osoon was filming in our Voldi and Ruusa solar parks, giving an overview of our Biodiversity projects and how production and nature can thrive together. Please see the episode here: https://lnkd.in/dQFed-uF To sum up our biodiversity projects, our main focuses are: 🌿 Promoting Biodiversity: Partnering with SA Loodushoiu Fond Fond, we’re enhancing biodiversity across our solar parks. Thank you Ain Näkk and Pille Ligi for fruitful collaboration. 🐑 Eco-Friendly Lawn Mowers: We now have sheep helping us mow at seven solar parks—covering 44% of our operational portfolio. It is a win-win project for both sides, living in solar parks gives sheep much-needed shade and safer living environment. 📊 Research Collaboration:  in cooperation with Jaan Liira, researcher at the University of Tartu, we have carried out landscape mapping and prepared an action plan for Voldi and Kärkna parks. 🫐 Habitats for Wildlife: At the Voldi park, nearly 100 blueberry plants are thriving, and we’ve set up rock and wood piles to support local reptiles and insects. 👨👩👧👦 Planting Family Days: On planting family days, our employees and their families can contribute to promoting biodiversity and creating habitats in solar parks. Today, we are in the learning phase, exploring different approaches to make solar parks even more nature-friendly. Our vision? Future parks planned with dedicated planting zones, reduced mowing zones, selected plants that support pollination and of course sheep farming, and more! #Osoon #RenewableEnergy #SolarEnergy #SustainableFuture #KCEnergy #NatureConservation #LoodushoiuFond #Combiwood #Rohetiiger #greenerfuture