Estonian kukersite phosphorite represents one of the largest deposits of phosphorus in the European Union and is classified as a critical raw material. In addition to phosphorus—mainly used in fertilizer production—Estonian phosphorite also holds potential as a source of rare earth elements, which are considered to be at very high supply risk. These rare earths are strategically important because they enable the production of high-strength permanent magnets, efficient direct current motors, fuel cells, electrolysers, and catalysts, all of which are essential for meeting the EU Green Deal targets.
Focus areas of phosphorite research include:
- Application opportunities and environmental impact of resource-efficient mining technologies
- Production technologies for phosphoric acid and phosphorus fertilizers
- Extraction and valorisation technologies for rare earth elements
- Valorisation technologies for mineral resources associated with kukersite phosphorite, such as graptolitic argillite and glauconitic sandstone
Due to the explosive growth in the adoption of renewable energy technologies driving the green transition, global demand for high-tech metals is rapidly increasing. The known geological reserves of metals critical for the green transition are limited and/or located in regions with a high supply risk, and they are not expected to be sufficient to meet demand in the coming decades. Exploration and studies of Estonia’s crystalline basement mineral resources and coastal Fe-Mn concretions must therefore focus on strategically important rare and/or high-tech minerals.
In the development of metal ores, important research and development directions include:
- The potential and methods of ore formation for rare earth elements and precious metals such as Li, Ni, Cu, Co, and Mn in the crystalline basement
- Mapping of coastal seabed Fe-Mn concretions in Estonia and studies of Mn, Co, and rare earth element content
Under the conditions of global raw material and energy shortages, the need to reuse industrial waste is increasingly on the agenda. In Estonia, oil shale is used both for direct combustion in power plants and for shale oil production through pyrolysis. In both cases, large amounts of solid waste are generated. Currently, only about 2% of the ash produced from oil shale combustion is utilized. Semi-coke has not been recycled at all and is entirely deposited in landfills. To implement innovative valorization technologies that allow waste to be recycled and reused at many times the current scale, it is necessary to more precisely map the properties of the waste and the conditions for its use.
Research and development priorities in this area include:
- Technologies and solutions for utilizing oil shale industry waste
- Technologies for valorizing critical raw materials
- Innovative valorization methodologies and technologies for construction minerals and building materials
The oil shale chemistry sector is divided into two categories: chemicals derived from oil shale processing products, and chemicals from direct oil shale processing and fine chemicals based on these compounds. The first category is widely used in the rubber and plywood industries, mold manufacturing, and for producing basic chemicals in the chemical industry. The second category involves producing high-purity products either from shale oil or directly from oil shale, which are used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries, as well as in perfumery and electronics. The main applications of fine chemical products include the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and the production of dyes, as well as liquid crystals for LCD monitors.
In developing oil shale chemistry, it is important to focus on maximizing the use of raw materials and creating integrated solutions.
Key research and development areas in oil shale chemistry include:
- Technologies for the direct conversion of oil shale into chemicals
- Innovative production technologies for aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and resins as by-products of the oil industry
In the case of peat, a promising future direction is the development and production of carbon materials synthesized from peat. Depending on the technology, demand, and other conditions, the product range can extend from activated carbon and filter materials to synthesized nanocarbon. The annual global demand for activated carbon is very high, reaching 10 million tons, and continues to grow at a rate of 12–16% per year. Particularly valued is highly pure micro-meso-macroporous carbon, which is required for electrochemical applications. From Estonia’s well-decomposed peat, it is possible to produce carbon suitable for the manufacture of supercapacitors. Interesting and innovative opportunities also lie in developing peat-based cosmetic products and their production technologies, as well as in scientifically valorising growth substrates, which can multiply the value of horticultural peat.
Key research and development areas in peat valorisation include:
- Methods for synthesizing carbon materials from peat for use in high-tech energy applications
- Applications of peat in filtration systems and as an insulating material in construction composites and structures
- Scientific valorisation and recycling technologies of growth substrates for producing microporous carbon
- Peat valorisation methods and technologies for use as raw material in medicine, rehabilitation, and the cosmetics industry
Geothermal energy applications have been used in other countries for decades, offering significant savings not only in heating but also in cooling costs. In the EU, subsurface energy is highlighted as an environmentally friendly renewable energy source, and its use for energy production is considered more than twice as efficient as, for example, air-source heat pumps. While geothermal energy technologies require large upfront investments, they can provide inexpensive energy consistently year-round for decades. The Estonian Geological Survey has launched a pilot study to assess the initial geothermal potential of Estonia at depths of up to 500 meters in heat boreholes. Research into geothermal energy opportunities will culminate in the establishment of pilot plants and facilities for both local and district heating and cooling energy production.
Key research and development areas for geothermal energy include:
- Assessing Estonia’s geothermal potential, identifying high-potential regions, and modeling geothermal parameters.
- Developing electricity production methods and opportunities based on geothermal energy.
Groundwater is Estonia’s main source of drinking water and is widely used in both business and households. Maintaining good groundwater status and improving poor conditions is critically important. Clean and high-quality drinking water is becoming an increasingly limited and costly resource worldwide, creating opportunities for groundwater export. However, it is vital to ensure that Estonia’s own reserves are not endangered by environmental pollution, overuse, or climate change. To guarantee the sustainability and quality of Estonia’s groundwater reserves, enable potential additional use, and minimize the impact of all subsurface resource use on groundwater, research and development must focus on dynamic monitoring of reserves with the development and refinement of forecasting models, as well as on developing technical solutions to reduce impacts.
Key research and development areas include:
- Dynamic monitoring of groundwater reserves with the development and improvement of forecasting models
- Solutions and technologies to reduce the impacts of subsurface resource use on groundwater
- Research and development aimed at avoiding the negative effects of overuse and environmental pollution
- Studies of the distribution, reserves, and utilization opportunities of mineral waters, along with innovative technologies
