Comparison of Competitiveness of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources in Russia and in East Asian Countries

Abstract

The effectiveness of power plants of various types in Russia (Siberia and the Far East) and neighboring Asian countries (China, Korea, Japan) was evaluated according to the criterion of the cost of generated electricity. Differences in energy development conditions in these countries (technical and economic indicators of power plants etc.), prices of fossil fuels, climatic characteristics) was taken into account. Two options for the use of renewable energy sources (RES) are considered - unfavorable and favorable (basic and ecological). They differ in the values of RES capacity factor due to different climatic conditions, as well as charges for carbon dioxide emissions (carbon tax). It is shown that under conditions that are less favorable for renewable energy sources, fossil fuel power plants or nuclear power plants are the most economical options. The dependences of the electricity cost on the carbon tax under favorable conditions for renewable energy have been obtained. Values of carbon tax, at which renewable energy sources produce cheaper electricity than organic-fueled power plants have been found.