Chapter 3 - Energy innovations and sustainable development of circumpolar territories in Russia

Abstract

Since the 1970s the energy sector has become an increasingly important driver of economic growth in the Arctic. The exploration and exploitation of energy resources above the Arctic Circle are of vital concern to Russia. Its nine circumpolar territories contain vast reserves of hydrocarbons and minerals. While the Russian Arctic accounts for 80% and 17% of the country’s total output of natural gas and oil, respectively, it has also emerged as one of the planet-scale air and water pollution sources. Being a part of the global climate change mitigation agenda, Russia is attempting to converge decarbonization efforts with industrial development priorities and energy security goals. This challenge is being addressed by implementing a sustainability-focused approach to the use of energy resources, allocation of power-generating facilities, and support of local communities. In this chapter the authors explore the opportunities for the sustainable environmental and spatial development of circumpolar territories through the modernization of conventional energy industries, promotion of innovative low-emission and low-carbon energy technologies, and international collaboration in the energy sector.