The Rõuge renewable energy park: En route to zero-CO2 community in rural Estonia

Antti Roose, Institute of Geography, University of Tartu, Estonia

Keywords

sustainable community, renewable energy, energy efficiency, greenhouse gases, tourism, training, Estonia

Abstract

The aim of the Rõuge rural municipality in southern Estonia is to develop a zero-CO2 community, except transportation, in nearest five years. 100 % renewable heating in public buildings is already reached as biomass for heating is the most important renewable energy source in the district. The municipality institutions use exclusively the green label electricity. In total, 580 300 EUR were invested to implement the energy programme in 2001 – 2006, corresponding to reductions of greenhouse gas emissions by 3 807 tons per year. The renewable energy park, coinciding with the municipal territory, is enhanced as the innovation, engineering, prototype centre and mix-up engineering solutions such as bio-energy installations, small hydro, ground source heat pumps, solar batteries and wind generator in the core area of park in Rõuge. Engineering and deployment of renewable energy sources embodies multiplying effect in the tourism sector. The park including the energy trail in the picturesque hilly landscape attracts 40 000 visitors annually, provides professional tours and promotes the renewable energy schemes to the public and students. Innovation and installations on renewable energy lead to the districts’ development through provision of new business opportunities, linking forestry, agriculture and engineering. Local government investigates the synergies between energy and land use planning for the sound use of biomass resources.