Population and demographic structure

Saku municipality, located in Harju County adjacent to Tallinn, presents one of Estonia’s most successful examples of suburban population growth. According to the latest statistical data (2024), the population of Saku municipality is 11,916 inhabitants, making it one of the largest municipalities in Harju County outside of Tallinn.

Based on demographic data, the Total Dependency Ratio (TDR) for Saku municipality stands at 72.6%.

Breaking this down further:

• The child dependency portion is 49.2%
• The elderly dependency portion is 23.4%

Economy

Saku Municipality, located within Harju County in northwestern Estonia, exhibits a dynamic economic profile characterized by low unemployment, diverse sectoral employment, and strategic integration with the Tallinn metropolitan area. As of 2024, Saku municipality has a population of 11,916 inhabitants. This represents significant growth from the 2006 figure of 8,031, showing an increase of 3,885 residents (48.4%) over this 18-year period.

GDP per capita for Harju County (excluding Tallinn) is approximately €25,000.

GDP values for the Harju County:

• GDP: €24 billion
• Population: 638,076
• GDP per capita: €37,610 (including Tallinn)

The municipality’s economic strength is evidenced by its employment sectoral distribution:

• Primary sector: 3%
• Secondary sector: 32% (including significant beverage industry presence)
• Tertiary sector: 65%

Energy resources

Saku Municipality, situated within the Harju County, demonstrates a notable energy profile characterized by substantial consumption and growing renewable energy integration. Despite its relatively small territory of 170.45 km², the municipality’s energy utilization patterns reflect its suburban and industrial activities, along with its proximity to Tallinn.

Total Energy Consumption: The total energy use per capita in Saku Municipality stands at 12.6 MWh annually, indicating an active consumption level compared to national averages. This figure encompasses residential, commercial, and industrial energy use, reflecting the municipality’s mixed economic and suburban profile.

Electricity Consumption and Production: Electricity consumption in Saku Municipality reaches 81,643 MWh per year, a substantial figure driven by industrial activities, local services, and residential demand. However, renewable electricity production to the grid is relatively modest at 297 MWh annually. This highlights an opportunity for the municipality to expand its renewable electricity generation capacity, potentially through solar or wind energy projects.

Heat Energy Production: Heat energy production in Saku Municipality totals 45,826 MWh annually, of which 17,276 MWh (approximately 38%) is derived from renewable sources, such as biomass. This reliance on renewable heat energy reflects a positive trend toward sustainable heating solutions, a significant achievement given the municipality’s relatively small size.

Energy Use Intensity: Given its small geographical size, Saku demonstrates intensive energy utilization patterns. Its proximity to the Tallinn metropolitan area and its role as a suburban economic hub contributes to this high intensity. The municipality’s energy profile is shaped by its industrial facilities, residential heating needs, and service sector energy demands.

Saku Municipality’s energy profile underscores both its achievements in renewable heat energy production and its potential for growth in renewable electricity generation. By leveraging its strategic location and existing infrastructure, Saku can continue to lead in sustainable energy practices, aligning with Estonia’s broader goals for energy transition and carbon neutrality.