According to a new poll, a striking 71% of Estonian residents support preparations for the construction of a new-generation nuclear power plant – the survey was commissioned by Fermi Energia, a company promoting nuclear energy.
A Kantar Emor survey conducted in January 2026 found that 71% of respondents either support, or rather support, continuing preparations for the construction of a new-generation nuclear power plant in Estonia.
Compared with the previous survey carried out in April 2025, support for the introduction of nuclear energy has risen and is now at its highest level across the entire survey period since 2019.
At the same time, the share of opponents has continued to fall. The latest results show that 17% of respondents oppose the development of nuclear energy, split almost evenly between “strong” opponents (8%) and those who are “rather” opposed (9%). Meanwhile, 12% did not express a clear view.
Wind and solar less popular
Nuclear energy remains the most favoured option for developing electricity generation in Estonia. Asked, “Which type of electricity generation should be developed in Estonia, considering the reduction of electricity production from oil shale?”, 58% of respondents said a new-generation small nuclear power plant should be developed as oil-shale-based production is scaled back.
Compared with the previous year, support for both wind and solar has declined noticeably. Wind energy is backed by 30% of respondents and solar by 29% – both significantly lower than a year ago. By contrast, support has increased for electricity generation from oil shale alongside oil production, which 32% of respondents consider worthy of development.
The survey also indicates that Estonian residents consider state ownership important in the construction and operation of a nuclear power plant. Some 78% of respondents believe the state should hold a significant stake in the company building and operating the plant.
A total of 1,240 people took part in the survey. Fermi Energia has commissioned regular surveys on attitudes towards nuclear energy since 2019.
