Opportunities for decarbonization in Russia

Journal article

Russia’s stance on climate change action is ambivalent. On the one hand, the country has both signed up to relevant international treaties and introduced domestic legislation. The Climate Doctrine 2009 and the Climate Action Plan 2011 outline a general framework and measures for addressing climate change by sector, albeit with no quantitative emission reduction targets included, and with much focus on adaptation. Russia has also expressed its intention to develop renewable energy sources; indigenous renewables could provide significant emission reduction, given that their technical potential exceeds the country’s energy needs by at least 30 times (according to the Krzhizhanovsky Energy Institute’s estimates). On the other hand, the government continues to support the hydrocarbon industry. Most recently, tax breaks for shale oil have led to a series of new exploration contracts with international investors. A gas supply deal with China has been fast tracked and signed after a decade of negotiations.

Authors: Sharmina, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Oxford Institute for Energy Studies
• Journal: Oxford Energy Forum
• Issue: 97
• Pages: 10-12
• Publication date: 2014-09-22
• ISSN: 0959-7727
• Language: English
• Keywords: OIES