Free Market Road Show, Tallinn 2025 / Spotlight on Energy
Join us as we delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by Europe's energy crisis, seeking pathways that balance governmental oversight with market freedom to achieve a resilient and sustainable energy future.
Date: Wednesday, May 7th, 15:00
Venue: Estonian Business School, room 413 (Aula Magna)
Address: A Lauteri, 3
Contact:
Juan Sáenz-Diez
E-post: juan.saenz-diez@ebs.ee
Event page and registration here
Agenda
- Dan Mitchell, “Free market solutions to the energy crisis” (President, Center for Freedom and Prosperity, and former fellow at Cato Institute and Heritage Foundation).
- Arnold Weiß, “The electricity market in Europe” (Head of EU Public & Regulatory Affairs at EPEX SPOT).
- Kalev Kallemets, “Nuclear energy and free competition on European energy markets” (CEO at Fermi Energia).
- Andrus Kaarelson, “Energy policy in Estonia” (Member of the Board at Parempoolsed Party)
- Q&A
- Socializing and networking.
The ongoing energy crisis in Europe, intensified by geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions, has prompted governments to implement swift technological solutions to ensure energy security and meet climate objectives. While these interventions aim to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, they have sparked debate over the appropriate balance between government mandates and market-driven innovation.
In Estonia, the government has set ambitious targets, including achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. At the European level, policies like the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU plan are guiding member states toward a sustainable energy future. These frameworks emphasize the importance of reducing dependency on fossil fuels and enhancing energy efficiency across the continent. However, the European central planners have chosen two winners (solar and wind energy) at the expense of unreliable production and high prices to end consumers, leaving aside more reliable and efficient sources such as nuclear.
This event aims to explore the complexities of the current energy landscape, examining how government policies intersect with market mechanisms and technological advancements. Discussions will focus on alternative approaches to energy transition, the role of innovation in shaping energy policy, and the specific strategies being employed at both the European and Estonian levels.
The Centre for Free Economic Thought, in collaboration with the Austrian Economics Centre and the Hayek Institute, is honoured to welcome a panel of international distinguished thought leaders, including Dan Mitchell (former senior fellow at Cato Institute and Heritage Foundation), Arnold Weiss (head of EU regulatory affairs at the European wholesale power market EPEX SPOT), Kalev Kallemets (CEO of the Estonian nuclear energy startup Fermi Energia), and Andrus Kaarelson (member of the board at Estonian liberal party Parempoolsed).