In 2020, Russia produced 210 billion kWh of electricity based on RES, of which more than 98% was generated by hydropower, while all other RES generated about 4 billion kWh (excluding geothermal heat supply of ~170 million kWh of thermal energy per year), which is about 0.4% of electricity generation in Russia, and 2% of renewable generation.

In recent years, the Russian government has been taking measures to stimulate the development of RES. In particular, in 2023, a new RES support program was introduced, which provides for subsidies for the construction and operation of RES facilities.

Wind energy is one of the most promising areas for the development of RES in Russia. The country has significant resources of wind energy, especially in the northern and northwestern regions.

In 2021, the largest wind farm in Russia, Kochubeyevskaya, with a capacity of 210 MW, was put into operation in the Stavropol Territory.

Solar energy also has good prospects in Russia. The country is located in a temperate climate zone, where the average annual level of solar radiation is about 1000 kWh/m2.

In 2022, the largest solar power plant in Russia, Arshansk, with a capacity of 115.6 MW, was put into operation in Russia.

In the future, it is planned to build new solar power plants, including in the southern regions of the country.

Hydropower is the most developed area of RES in Russia. The country has significant resources of hydropower, which account for about 20% of the world's potential.

Currently, there are over 400 hydropower plants (HPPs) operating in Russia with a total capacity of about 50 GW. In the coming years, it is planned to build new HPPs, including in Siberia and the Far East.

Geothermal energy has a limited potential in Russia. The country has only small resources of geothermal energy that can be used to produce heat.

Currently, there are about 100 geothermal power plants operating in Russia with a total capacity of about 30 MW. In the future, it is planned to build new geothermal power plants, including in the Kamchatka Territory and the Kuril Islands.

The Russian government is setting a goal of increasing the share of RES in the country's energy balance to 20% by 2040. To achieve this goal, it will be necessary to increase the construction of RES facilities and develop the relevant infrastructure.

The development of RES in Russia has a number of advantages. First, it will help to reduce the country's dependence on imported energy carriers. Second, it will contribute to improving the environmental situation in the country. Third, it will create new jobs and contribute to the development of the economy.

Sources:

Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation: https://minenergo.gov.ru/

Renewable Energy Agency: https://www.ren21.net/

International Energy Agency: https://www.iea.org/