Estonia's Energy Revolution: Iru Power Plant's Shift to Eco-friendly Heat Generation using a Mix of Household Waste

The Competition Authority has confirmed the heat price limit for mixed household waste processed at the Iru power plant to be 12.36 euros per megawatt hour, maintaining its status as the most affordable heat source in Estonia. AS Utilitas continues to purchase this heat for Tallinn and Maardu’s district heating customers.

Enefit Geen’s board member and production manager, Innar Kaasik, underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of heat energy production. Investments and rising maintenance costs, influenced by increased capital expenses and inflation, are cited as the primary reasons for the adjustment in heating prices.

Over the past three years, Enefit Green has invested over 4 million euros in the Iru power plant, with a significant portion directed towards environmental protection measures. These include installing environmentally friendly natural gas burners for backup energy production and updating the flue gas measurement system to meet environmental standards. Despite the necessary price adjustments due to economic factors, the heat price will remain the most competitive in Estonia even after the change.

Effective April 19, 2024, the heat price for mixed household waste at the Iru power plant will rise to 12.36 euros per megawatt hour from the current 7.98 euros.