TALLINN - Having weighed Estonia's energy alternatives in the not too distant future, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip said that a reliance on Russia's natural gas was the least attractive option and should be avoided.
Speaking at an energy forum in Narva, Ansip outlined four energy alternatives for the Baltic state: modernize and expand oil-shale production, increase renewables, participate in nuclear power projects and start importing fossil fuels.
"I wouldn't select the last option," the head of government said.
He said Estonia currently requires 1,600 megawatts of electrical output, though in 10 years this is expected to increase to 1,900 megawatts. He said the oil shale fueled generators, which were recently modernized, provide 400 's 430 megawatts, and two new generators could give an additional 600 's 800 megawatts.
The remaining demand could be met by nuclear power, the minister said.
Ansip said under no circumstances could Estonia allow the Nord Stream gas pipeline in Estonia's economic zone in the Gulf of Finland and then ask to buy natural gas.
"I'm absolutely against that. If something's very cheap in the beginning, then later it will turn out to be expensive," he said. "We will pay the true price for every little thing, and then we can make corrections in our consumption and choose alternative sources of energy," Ansip said in his speech.
The prime minister said the Baltic state could use wind, wood products and peat as alternative sources of energy, but not natural gas.
Currently natural gas accounts for a small portion of Estonia's total energy consumption.
