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The path to green

Russia Renewable Energy Development Association recognises Chukotka as wind energy leader

3 october 2022

Renewable energy is the future of global energy. And their development in the Arctic, with its fragile nature, is of particular importance. Russia's Arctic regions understand this, as evidenced by the results of the first regional ranking for renewable energy development. Chukotka has taken the lead in developing wind generation there.

Providing electricity to residents and businesses is a challenge that varies depending on where a region of Russia is located. If it is closer to the central part of the country, the solution is simple: access to the wholesale electricity and capacity market removes all problems. However, many regions are located in isolation, in the polar regions or in the Far East. Their level of energy infrastructure development is low and the need for uninterrupted energy supply, on the other hand, is very high—primarily due to unfavourable climatic conditions.

Therefore, the regions are divided into two groups—the wholesale electricity market price zone and the non-price zone—when assessing the efficiency of the energy complexes.

Every year, experts from the Russia Renewable Energy Development Association (RREDA is an expert platform in the field of renewable energy sources) conduct a comprehensive study and assess the investment attractiveness of Russian regions in terms of renewable energy development—small hydropower, bioenergy, solar, wind and geothermal energy.

This year, RREDA presented the first investment ranking for non-price zone regions and isolated energy systems. It included 15 Russian regions: the Komi and Yakutia Republics, the Khanty-Mansi, Yamalo-Nenets, Nenets and Chukotka Autonomous Areas, the Jewish Autonomous Region, Kamchatka, Primorsky and Khabarovsk Territories, Amur, Arkhangelsk, Kaliningrad, Magadan and Sakhalin Regions.

Sakhalin has the best overall performance in renewable energy development, according to RREDA experts. Kamchatka won silver in the overall ranking, while Yakutia took third place.

The winner in the Wind Energy Leader category was Chukotka. RREDA experts noted that the region has significant wind energy resources with high stability. Chukotka's alternative energy pilot project was the 2.5 MW Anadyr wind farm, built in 2002. The project was implemented by StroyInvest-Energia, which became the first resident of the Beringovsky ASEZ.

At present, the Analyr hydroelectric power plant provides 0.8% of the region's total installed capacity. It provides electricity to the residents of the Shakhtersky and Ugolnye Kopi settlements, as well as Ugolny Airport.

The first experience was deemed a success and the regional authorities now plan to expand the geography of renewable energy applications. The communities on the coast of the Providensky urban district and the Bering Sea within the boundaries of the Anadyr district are primarily considered promising in terms of wind energy.

'The entire district is located in the Arctic with its fragile ecosystem, harsh climatic conditions and complex fuel logistics. The use of renewable energy reduces the carbon footprint and enhances fuel security, reducing the consumption of expensive diesel fuel. The effect is particularly noticeable in remote communities. We will continue to support renewable energy projects in Chukotka,' said Roman Kopin, Governor of Chukotka.

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