Set to be completed next year, this will be the largest solar park in Southern Estonia, spanning 106 hectares with a production capacity of 75 MW—enough to cover 75% of Tartu’s annual electricity consumption. The park’s potential capacity could reach up to 100 MW.
“The Raadi solar power plant is more than just an energy project—it’s a major step toward a greener future for Tartu and all of Estonia. Our goal is to expand the use of renewable energy and provide both local businesses and residents with clean and sustainable electricity,” emphasized Ain Tammvere, CEO of Estiko Energia.
The new solar park’s production will meet 75% of Tartu’s annual electricity demand and also supply green energy to Estiko Group companies and other entities within the group.
“For us, economic growth and environmental sustainability must go hand in hand,” said Kristo Seli, CEO of Estiko Group. “That’s why we are developing the Raadi solar power plant on a former military airfield while carefully considering the preservation of rare plant species and ensuring the free movement of small wildlife.”
In addition to developing the solar power plant, Estiko is working on energy storage solutions to reduce grid load during peak hours and ensure stable energy use. The company has also devised a green hydrogen production plan, with the aim of transitioning Tartu’s public transportation system to environmentally friendly hydrogen buses by 2030.
“Our vision is to create the Raadi Energy Hub—a center where renewable energy is maximized, stored, and efficiently distributed to enhance system flexibility and resilience. This hub will be dedicated to renewable energy production, storage, and distribution, driving a new era of energy infrastructure in Tartu and Southern Estonia,” explained Tammvere.
Currently, 15,288 solar panels have been installed at Raadi, with the second phase increasing this number to 103,668. Construction is set to begin in the coming months. The park will feature advanced bifacial panels that generate electricity from reflected sunlight and tracking systems that follow the sun’s movement, increasing efficiency by 30% compared to fixed panels. Once completed, the Raadi solar park will expand Estiko’s renewable energy production capacity fivefold.
Estiko is the largest investment group in Southern Estonia, focusing on packaging and material production, real estate development and management, hospitality services, and energy production. The company employs over 400 people, and in 2023, its revenue reached nearly €73 million.