Prospects for Development of Renewable Energy Sources to Preserve the Ecosystem of Arctic Zone of Russia

Abstract

Objectives: Environmental balance of Yakutia is quite delicate, but the energy needs are growing. Therefore, the study evaluates the efficiency of employing renewable energy sources that do not pollute the environment. Methods: The study applies the methods of economic analysis as follows: normative method (the established maximum permissible concentrations of pollutants), economic and mathematical simulation (modeling the efficiency of renewable energy sources and estimating the economic effect of their use) and historical method (historical data on atmospheric pollutant emissions and historical prices for hydrocarbon energy products). These methods enable complex investigation of ecological and economic efficiency of renewable energy sources. Findings: The principal result of the study is represented by the evaluated economic efficiency of renewable energy sources, namely, productive efficiency, reduced dependency on hydrocarbon fuel supplies and lower expenses for hydrocarbons. Applications/Improvements: The materials of the study are of practical importance for evaluating the long-term efficiency of renewable energy sources to further promote their use.