Is solar energy on the verge of a major expansion in Russia?

Vadim Braidov / TASS Solar energy in Russia might be on the verge of a major expansion, thanks to a government support program for renewable energy sources, industry experts told The Moscow Times. Russia, the world’s fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has historically relied on its vast oil and gas reserves to bolster its economy.

Does Russia have enough solar energy?

There is no sun there!’ Well, our data tells us differently.” Moscow-based renewables company Unigreen Energy, which has received a government guarantee that it will be paid extra for the power it adds to local grids, said Russia has more than enough insolation — solar radiation hitting an object — to produce solar energy.

Is Russian energy a viable alternative energy source?

Historically the Russian energy industry has been following a conventional development path. The availability of large hydrocarbon reserves (natural gas, oil, and coal) and water resources has turned into a significant barrier hindering the advancement of safe and efficient alternative energy sources.

Is Russia moving from fossil fuels to renewables?

As the third-largest carbon emitter in human history, Russia faces an uphill battle in its attempts to move from fossil fuels to renewable and other sources of clean energy. The global economy gets roughly 10% of its power from wind and solar sources, while in Russia, solar’s share is just 0.2%.

Does Russia have a high energy potential?

Renewables (excluding large hydro) amount to only 1.5% of centralized energy generation in Russia. This is contrary to global trends and does not match the country’s high technical potential [ 87 ]. One obvious explanation to this fact is the abundance of fossil fuels that guarantee short-term economic and energy security.

Will Russia's energy policy change?

The Omsk, Altai and Zabaikalsky regions, the republic of Sakha and other locations in Siberia and Russia’s Far East launched their first solar plants in recent years, according to Tatiana Lanshina, the director of think tank Target Number Seven Association. However, she added that so far there are no signs of major changes in state energy policy.