Estonian president: World should not revolve around Russian gas

TALLINN – Speaking at the "Teistmoodi Paldiski 2022" Paldiski investment conference on Wednesday, Estonian President Alar Karis said that the world should not revolve around Russian gas, which is why we need to look for alternatives to it.

Speaking of the LNG terminal being built in Paldiski, a sea port and industrial town in northwestern Estonia, the head of state said that we cannot turn a blind eye on the political situation around us.

"As I have said before, we cannot use gas that has the blood of other nations on it, and we cannot put ourselves in a position where we are dependent on Russian gas in such a way that we can be manipulated. The world should not revolve around Russian gas, therefore we must look for alternatives to it," he said.

The president described establishing the capacity to receive liquefied natural gas as essential to ensure that homes in the Baltic countries and Finland will be heated and businesses will function in the coming winter. 

Karis also spoke about the future of Paldiski and how to make even better use of the city's opportunities.

"Paldiski is a city with great potential, which, thanks to the port, connections, and proximity to Tallinn can evolve as one of the most important business and industrial hubs of northern Estonia alongside East-Viru County," he said.

The head of state described it as symbolic that it is through Paldiski, which used to be a Russian military port for a long time, that liquefied natural gas will be soon arriving in Estonia, further reducing our and our neighbors' dependence on Russian energy carriers.

According to the head of state, we should also look beyond the upcoming utility issues and assess the gas connection in a broader context.

"More external connections will expand the market and increase flexibility, which will increase business opportunities both in Paldiski and in Estonia as a whole," he said.  

According to the president, Paldiski has become one of the trailblazers of the energy transition in Estonia.

"In addition to gas infrastructure, there are wind turbines around us and a pumped-storage power plant will be built nearby," he said. "All these investments increase Paldiski's competitiveness and add to the reasons why others too should invest here."