Enhanced security of Estonia's energy supply for agricultural companies granted EUR 16 million
The Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board (PRIA) has announced investment support for energy security, aiming to promote energy-efficient and renewable energy projects within the agricultural sector. This move is expected to help ensure the availability of energy needed for agricultural production and bolster food security.
The support covers investments that improve energy efficiency or increase energy security at farms or agricultural enterprises. Eligible activities may involve installing renewable energy systems such as solar panels, biogas, or wind, improving energy storage, or upgrading equipment to reduce energy consumption. The activities align with EU rural development goals, focusing on green energy and climate objectives, as reflected in recent Estonian and EU regulations.
Applicants must complete their projects by a set deadline, typically within a year following application or by a specified date determined in the grant terms. The support will be paid out within three months after the submission of all required documents. It's important to note that the exact 2025 deadlines for PRIA's energy security support are not yet explicitly stated, but they are expected to fall within the 2014-2020 program period.
Urmas Saarna, head of the subsidy implementation department at PRIA, emphasised the importance of projects being completed on time and the need for applicants to have thoroughly planned their projects to meet the deadlines. He also highlighted that there was considerable interest in the grants.
The investments are mainly intended for the purchase of generators and battery banks. Any assets purchased or constructed with the support must be put to intended use by September 30, 2025. All documents proving the implementation of the supported activity must also be submitted by this date.
Initially, eight million euros was allocated for the application round, but it was increased to 18.4 million euros by order of the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. A total of 16 million euros in grants was allocated to 238 agricultural enterprises.
The grants are expected to help increase Estonia's food security, especially in emergency situations. Urmas Saarna stated that the grants were both expected and necessary. The support will help to ensure the security of the food supply chain.
For the most authoritative and updated information regarding the 2025 ARIB call documents or deadlines, applicants are advised to contact the ARIB directly or check their official Estonian government portal.
The support from PRIA encourages investments in renewable energy projects, such as installing solar panels, biogas, or wind systems, aiming to boost both energy security for agricultural production and Estonia's overall food security. To be eligible for the investment, applicants must complete their projects by the specified deadline, typically within a year from the application, and submit all required documents for payment within three months.
