Role of Local Energy Systems in Socio-Economic Development of Kostroma Oblast

Abstract

The conceptual apparatus of the article is reviewed in the Introduction. The second part is devoted to the historical and geographical overview of the evolution of the power industry in Kostroma oblast. Topographic analysis of energy space of Kostroma oblast shows that three fourth of the area of Kostroma oblast will face problems in the case of system failure in the power system. Therefore, the traditional model of combining of different schemes of power supply is required. The development of gas turbine technologies determines the possibility of the formation of linear-nodal and areal-nodal types of local power supply systems, and the use of renewable energy sources gives the possibility of using of areal type power supply systems. Diversification of energy sources determines the growth of supply reliability. The main directions of combining of energy systems are presented as conclusions of the article. The sparsely populated rural areas of the Kostroma oblast (1.5 persons per square km) limit the feasibility of increasing of centralization of energy system. Local energy systems allow to solve energy and social problems of population. In the areas with a high share of small settlements (population density from 1.5 to 3.0 persons per square km) the reliability of power supply is dramatically reduced due to wear electricity distribution grids. The problem can be solved by combining the local and centralized power systems. Schemes of combining of local and centralized energy systems are also applicable in recreational and conservation areas. This direction is promising for areas that act as growth poles (in the Volga area). The scheme of the local energy system provides the operation of the small generation module as an integral part of a centralized system and increased synergies.