Renewable energy sources in Russia — current situation and use potential

One of the critical ways of improving energy efficiency in the leading economies of the world is development of renewable energy sources (RES). The accomplished research shows that average rates of growth in capacity of RES-driven electric power installations exceed considerably the same figures in the conventional power engineering. Despite low scale of production, Russia possesses a high use potential of RES. The gross, technical and economic potentials of the main sources of renewable energy are estimated (small hydroelectric power stations, hydrothermal resources, wind energy, solar energy, biomass energy, low grade heat). The leading holders of economic potentials are the Far Eastern, Southern and North Caucasian Federal Districts of Russia. From the appraisal of proven and probable resources of geothermal water in Russia, if the above-listed districts include the proven resources of geothermal water in their fuel and energy budget, it can be possible to substitute natural gas by 5–20% as compared with the current consumption percentage. Based on the research results, the recommendations are proposed for the development of main RES in the advanced regions of Russia, and possible governmental support measures in the sector are suggested and substantiated. Such efforts can enhance economic potential of RES in the near-term outlook, can make RES a driver in the field of economic use of conventional energy sources, and, later on, can promote RES as a strategic reserve of energy management in the Russian Federation.

Belan S. I., Badavov G. B., Guseynov N. M. Renewable energy sources in Russia — current situation and use potential. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2021;(3-1):284—298. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2021_31_0_284.

Belan S. I., Cand. Sci. (Economy), associate professor, leading researche of the Makhachkala Department, OOO “Gazprom VNIIGAZ”, sbelan@gsg.spb.ru;
Badavov G. B., Senior Researcher, Institute of Geothermal and Renewable Energy Problems — Branch of the Joint Institute for High Temperatures of RAS;
Guseynov N. M., Cand. Sci. (Economy), OOO “Gazprom VNIIGAZ”, Deputy head of the Makhachkala Department.

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