Challenges of the Global Transition to the Use of Clean Carbon-Free Energy for Russia in the 21st Century

Abstract

The article analyzes the current situation in the Russian energy sector from the viewpoint of the country's readiness to join the process of «energy transition» developing in the world. The characteristics are given and the key features of the structure of primary energy consumption in Russia at the present stage are identified. For a more comprehensive analysis, a comparison with similar indicators of a number of foreign countries is carried out. The official documentation base, which is designed to create the legal basis for the «decarbonization» of the Russian economy, is being analyzed. The attitude of the Russian Federation to the problem of combating global climate change is considered. The hypothesis is put forward that Russia is strategically ready to actively participate in the global processes of achieving low-carbon sustainable development. However, in the context of choosing tactics for the implementation of this task, it relies mainly on a conservative approach and a balanced optimal combination of various hydrocarbon and low-carbon energy sources. Russia's main goal in the context of the ongoing energy transition is to keep up technologically with developed countries but at the same time to meet its economic interests as a leading exporter of fossil fuels.