Key Defining Features of the Electric Power Industry in Asian Regions of Russia in Light of Decarbonization Efforts

Abstract

The article examines key defining features of the electric power industry of Asian regions of Russia in light of decarbonization efforts and does this through a case study of integrated power systems of Siberia and the East. We analyze the main characteristics of these integrated power systems, including the mix of installed capacity of power plants, of electricity generation and consumption, and of the fuel thermal power plants burn. On the basis of this analysis, we conclude that the mix of generating capacity of the considered electric power systems falls short of being perfect from the standpoint of decarbonization efforts and that there is a need to convert some of the existing thermal power plants to natural gas combustion and prioritize natural gas combustion when designing new ones.