Abstract
The article presents results of an analysis of resource intensity of the traditional and alternative electric power industry of the Russian Federation. The environmental and economic advantages of alternative energy were identified. The analysis was carried out using the indicator of total MI (Material Input) – numbers which sets specific resource intensity of various energy sources. The calculation made it possible to obtain totals for all federal districts using alternative energy sources, determine the share of alternative energy in the regional energy balance, the total amount of natural resources consumed, the specific value of alternative energy sources. Russian small hydropower plants and biofuel-powered power plants account for 53.5 % of the alternative energy production, solar energy plants – 26 %, geothermal plants – 11 %, and wind turbines – 9.5 %. The study determined the mass of natural resources used for producing traditional and alternative energy. The volume of substance transferred during the production of traditional energy is 2 billion tons, which is comparable with natural geological forces. Alternative energy can transport 0.42 million tons. The replacement of traditional energy capacities with alternative energy facilities can reduce the level of negative anthropogenic impacts on the environment. The real reduction level was predicted with a further increase in the share of alternative energy in the energy balance of Russia and its regions. The reported study was funded by RFBR, project number 18-010-00861.
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