Hydropower Development in Eastern Russia in the Context of Interstate Cooperation: Current State and Prospects

Abstract

The paper describes the hydropower potential of Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East. Currently, only 7.5% of the technical hydropower potential of Russia’s East is used. Expansion of the hydropower sector in this region is a main goal of the national electric power development. Russia is also interested in the development of electric ties with Northeast Asian countries. The paper presents several potential projects for interstate electricity transmission to be implemented with the neighboring countries (China, Mongolia, Republic of Korea and Japan). Results of the international studies show evident advantages for interconnected countries. Continuation of a multilateral analysis and investigations of the hydropower development promotes the interstate power interconnection and cooperation.