Current and Prospective Role of Solar and Wind Energy in Reducing CO2 Emissions in Russia

• Published in: Applied solar energy 2023-02, Vol.59 (1), p.79-86
• Main Authors: Nefedova, L. V., Solovyev, D. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Bilateral agreements; Carbon dioxide; Carbon dioxide emissions; Decarbonization; Electric power generation; Electrical Machines and Networks; Emissions; Energy; Energy industry; Engineering; Industrial plant emissions; Life cycles; Mathematical analysis; Power Electronics; Power plants; Public private partnerships; Reduction; Renewable energy; Renewable Energy Sources; Renewable resources; Solar energy; Solar power plants; Wind power
• ISSN: 0003-701X; 1934-9424
• DOI: 10.3103/S0003701X2360025X

— The paper presents the results of investigations and calculations of volumes of electricity production at the existing grid-connected wind and solar power plants in the Russian Federation as of January 1, 2022, considering the differences in the efficiency of their operation characterized by the difference in the values of the capasity factor (CF). The calculations served as a basis for estimating the volumes of reduction in CO 2 emissions in the country’s energy sector by increasing energy capacities in a low-carbon way, as an alternative to fuel power stations. The calculations take into account carbon dioxide emissions throughout the entire “life cycle” of renewable energy facilities. The total reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in 2022 is 1.0024 million tons of CO 2 for solar power plants (SPPs) and 2.105 million tons of CO 2 for wind power plants (WPPs). The maximum effect to date in terms of decarbonization due to the use of solar energy has been achieved in the Orenburg and Astrakhan oblasts, specifically, 218 100 tons and 166 600 tons per year, respectively. Wind energy accounts for the maximum reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the Rostov oblast and Stavropol krai (690 200 and 511 400 tons per year). The analysis was performed with respect to the problems of the current stage in the renewable energy industry in Russia caused by external sanctions and severance of economic ties and logistics chains in equipment manufacturing and sales. Expert opinions on prospects in the industry are presented, including seeking and building ties with other suppliers of technologies and components, expansion of existing industry, and establishment of new ones using new forms of renewable energy funding, such as, bilateral agreements and public-private partnership.