Canadian-Estonian partnership to focus on clean energy

TALLINN - The Islands' Energy Agency (EISEA) and the Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) initiative, led by the University of Victoria in Canada, are launching a collaboration.

As part of the collaboration, three in-depth studies will be conducted to develop local renewable energy solutions on the West Estonian islands. The studies will cover technical, economic, and social aspects.

Last autumn, teams from ACET and EISEA visited the islands of Western Estonia to identify opportunities for joint cooperation.

The aim of the partnership is to find the best models that increase the islands' energy security, support local economic growth, and strengthen community engagement and resilience.

ACET's Executive Director Curran Crawford added that this partnership demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in accelerating community-centric clean energy solutions.

"By combining Canada's scientific leadership with Estonia's innovation and practical know-how, we are creating applicable models that strengthen local energy independence and offer real, beneficial solutions for communities," he noted.

The head of the Islands' Energy Agency, Sulev Alajoe, said that Estonia's islands need a substantial energy transition based on reliable and evidence-based decisions. "This is the only way to develop local energy production in a manner that meets community expectations. These studies will help to view projects holistically and direct investments into solutions that bring sustainable, long-term benefits to the islands."

Estonian universities TalTech and the University of Tartu will also participate in the studies, ensuring high quality and a thorough understanding of the local context. The research will begin in 2026 and will be conducted in stages.

The first study will focus on Saaremaa, examining biogas systems and business models based on the circular economy. It will also look at the potential for producing biochar and other bio-products and integrating them with district heating solutions.

The study will provide an overview of how biogas-related projects can strengthen the local economy and help Saaremaa prepare for future European Union requirements concerning biogas use.

The second study will examine how large-scale renewable energy projects affect island communities. It will investigate how people's values and worldviews shape their attitudes towards such developments.

The aim of the study is to create science-based and practical models that help plan renewable energy projects in a transparent, fair, and inclusive way, taking into account the interests and expectations of local communities.

The third study will address the role of energy communities in strengthening and securing local energy systems. As part of this, a pilot project on Hiiumaa will be monitored, which combines renewable energy production, energy distribution, and sustainable transport solutions to increase the region's energy security.

The study will also incorporate Canada's experience with energy cooperatives and community-based energy solutions, offering international research and development support to Estonia's islands and creating valuable comparative material for both countries.

The research conducted under this partnership is partially supported by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund through the ACET initiative.