What is Russia's energy strategy?

The Energy Strategy outlines several key priorities: increased energy efficiency, reducing the impact on the environment, sustainable development, energy development and technological development, as well as improved effectiveness and competitiveness. Russia's greenhouse gas emissions are large because of its energy policy.

Why is the energy sector important to Russia?

The energy sector contributes to Russia's ability to expand its influence to its immediate neighbors. As the importance of the Russian Empire's energy sector grew, it became clear that Russia's internal stability greatly affected the sector. The Bolsheviks used the energy sector in their attempts to overthrow the monarchy in the early 1900s.

Is Russia's energy sector under strain?

In its current configuration, Russia's energy sector is under strain. The consolidation of the sector mostly under two large state firms had many benefits for the Kremlin, but after a decade of consolidation the disadvantages are piling up.

How has Russia's energy sector changed over time?

Throughout Russian history, the country's energy sector periodically has strengthened and weakened. Managing this cycle has been a centerpiece of Russia's domestic and foreign policy since czarist times. The revenues from oil and natural gas exports show how the energy sector empowered the Kremlin to consolidate the country.

What impact will photovoltaics have on Russia's economy?

Yet, the combined effect of the exceedingly low cost of electricity generation via today's photovoltaic modules and wind turbines combined with energy storage in Li-ion battery and hydrogen obtained via water electrolysis will shortly have a profound impact on Russia's economy and manufacturing industry.

How many integrated power systems are there in Russia?

The seven integrated power systems of Russia's unified power system. The geographically isolated energy systems are Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Kamchatka Territory, Sakhalin, and Magadan Oblast, Norilsk energy Districts of Taimyr and Nikolaev, western energy systems of Sakha (Yakutia) [Image courtesy of eclareon, Reproduced from Ref. 30]