The possible use of wind energy at the Estonian coast and other ways of the reduction of CO2 in Estonia

The use of wind energy in northern Germany and Denmark has expanded enormously in the last few years. Due to the beginnings of an ecologically oriented energy policy the rise of single wind turbines and wind parks has been publicly supported. Estonia yet has got only plans to use its climatic potential benefit of high wind speeds on the Baltic coast. By using the Danish Wind Atlas Analysis and Application program (WAsP) for two regions (the islands Hiiumaa, Muhu and Saaremaa and the western and northern coast) wind resources have been calculated. The results of the model calculation show good to very good climatic conditions for the future use of wind energy, either in wind parks to supply villages and small towns or with single wind turbines located next to farms. Economical will this electricity be, when the price of fuels in the country rises to a level, which is rather similar to the price of wind generated electricity. (au)