Electricity in Russia in 2023/2024

Over the past year, from November 2023 to October 2024, Russia's electricity consumption has predominantly relied on fossil fuels. Fossil energy sources, particularly gas and coal, contribute to over 63% of the total electricity consumption, with gas accounting for nearly 45% while coal contributes about 17%. On the other hand, low-carbon electricity sources make up around 37% of the mix. Notably, nuclear and hydropower lead the low-carbon contributions, with nuclear energy contributing more than 18% and hydropower generating close to another 18%. Despite the significant contribution from low-carbon sources, more than half of Russia's electricity still comes from fossil fuels, indicating a considerable opportunity for transitioning to a greener energy mix.

Suggestions

For Russia to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, further investment in and expansion of its existing nuclear capabilities can be an effective strategy. Countries like France demonstrate the benefits of leveraging nuclear power, with a substantial 68% of their electricity derived from this source. Similarly, Slovakia and Ukraine also generate more than half of their electricity through nuclear means. Russia can look to these examples to appreciate the operational and environmental efficiencies of nuclear power as a reliable low-carbon source. In terms of wind energy, nations such as Denmark and Germany have made significant strides, with wind energy making up around 59% and 29% of their electricity, respectively. Although wind energy holds promise, Russia’s vast land area might present unique geographical challenges that necessitate tailored solutions for harnessing wind power effectively.

History

Looking back at historical data, the development of low-carbon electricity in Russia shows several key trends. In the late 1980s, nuclear electricity generation experienced a significant rise, with notable increases of 19.5 TWh in 1987 and 10.1 TWh in 1988. However, the 1990s were marked by substantial declines, particularly in 1990 and 1994, where nuclear generation decreased by 18 TWh and 21.4 TWh respectively, alongside a troubling stagnation in hydropower, which saw a sharp reduction of 22.1 TWh in 1996. The early 2000s witnessed a revival, with increases in nuclear generation in 1999 and early 2000s, accompanied by fluctuations in hydropower. The positive trend continued until the mid-2010s with further increases in both nuclear and hydropower electricity generation, followed by stable growth in hydropower post-2016, barring a notable decline in 2022. This historical context highlights the fluctuating journey of Russia’s low-carbon electricity initiatives, underscoring the potential benefits and importance of stable growth and investment in this sector.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources