«Russia has the richest wind capacity in the world
that could become the most powerful energy source»
WIND POWER: PRESERVED LAND, PEOPLE WELL-BEING
The 1st national conference of Russian Wind Power Association (RAWI) was held in Moscow on November 13, where the legislative economic and technological aspects of the new branch were discussed. The conference was held in “total transparency” – all parties interested partook in the conference, including the ones that were not formally association members (representatives of the academic science, research-scientific centers, construction bureaus and exploitation companies, potential investors).
RAWI is a public organization which was established in 2003 and currently unites state and private companies and organizations interested in developing wind power in Russia. RAWI represents Russia in European wind energy association (EWEA) and in Global wind energy council (GWEC).
Currently Russia uses only 3.5% of its renewable energy sources’ economic capacity which includes wind turbines, solar batteries, small hydro-electric stations, geothermal and tidal electric stations as well as biomass stations. Renewable energy sources produce not more than 8,5 billions kWh which makes <1% of the total energy production in Russia.
There’s nothing extraordinary in it because starting from 60-ies in XX century traditional energy as well powerful hydro- and atomic stations gained priority in Russia. Therefore wind power which was gaining speed in 50-ies (USSR was considered one of the global leaders in wind power station production) has halted its development.
By now, the main funds of Russian energy objects are almost used up; in some cases their depreciation reaches almost 80%, the technologies used are 30 years old.
In compliance with the Russian Government order dated 8.01.2009 №1-p in 2020 renewable energy sources should reach 4% of the countries energy balance. Energy policy of the European community foresees that the share of renewable energy sources increases by the same period from the current 7% up till 20%.
On average the growth of global wind power market turnover prevails 25% annually (in 2003 the total market turnover reached 4 billions EUR, in 2008 it was already 36 billions EUR). 400 000 qualified specialists have been working in this market by 2009. In every country developing wind power industry new production sites appear and working places are created. Wind power meets all energy demands of almost 80 millions people in the world.
The obvious benefits from developing green energy in Russia:
1. gas, oil and coal consumed in the country and saved as a result of green energy development could be exported by the prices drastically higher than internal prices in Russia This is considering the fact that gas, oil and coal will be unconditionally dominating fuel sources during the coming 20 years plus their quantity consumption will be increasing even if their supplies decrease, prices grow and profitability drops.
2. preserving the environment: carbohydrates which supplies have 50 years limit (due to scientific research by Russian science academy) are not wasted, no harmful emissions (CO2, methane, sulfur combinations, nitrogen) or other side effects; the land used for wind parks is not deprived of agricultural or other types of use.
3. huge investments income in Russia which has the biggest global wind power market due to expert evaluation. For reference: in 2008 the global wind power market turnover reached more than 30 billions EUR;
4. new working places are created and new industrial branches are developed (metal capacity of one wind turbine in megawatt capacity is more than 200 tons); a push-up for developing scientific ideas and progressive innovation technologies; development and production of compatible products.
Russia has got a unique combination of favorable factors for green energy development and first of all for wind power: vast areas, rich and mastered wind capacity (127 TWh) plus large-scale energy consumers and applicable climate conditions. Also important legislative decisions have been made that ground green energy support system. The state support is needed for the powerful wind energy break-through as by-laws which would make this system work with realized capacity and huge outcome.
Inna Shevchenko,
RAWI press Secratary
mail to: press@rawi.ru
phone: +7 910 401 24 84
