Electric Energy. Regulatory Activity and Prospects for Development of Electric Power Markets in Russia and China
KEY CONCLUSIONS
Global electric energy industry is going through a major transformation
“International Energy Agency released an industry development forecast until the year 2070. It states that the main revolution in the energy sector is going to come from sustainable electric energy and digitalization, or, in other words, a digital revolution. Another important trend is a green revolution that could transform the entire energy infrastructure. Transformation of energy is happening as we speak, and we can see the world moving towards clean energy.” Valery Salygin, Director, International Energy Policy and Diplomacy Institute of Moscow State Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia (MIEP MGIMO)
The share of renewable energy sources grows
“According to BP Energy Outlook, one of the main trends for 2030-2040s will be redistribution of shares in the hydrocarbon energy sector. The share of energy made with oil and coal is going down, whereas the share of electricity produced with natural gas is going up. The decrease in oil and coal consumption is compensated by renewable energy.” Yuri Manevich, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation
“Renewable energy sources are the most rapidly growing segment of the modern energy market. Over just 30 years the volume of renewable energy grew 13 times. <…> Currently, wind turbines are being designed that would put out 2 to 4 times more energy than the existing ones. <…> Renewable energy sources – wind and solar energy – became an absolute leader in growing capacities. Every fourth newly installed megawatt of output comes from solar energy, every fifth from the wind. <…> Hydrogen energy is looking promising. Some forecasts see hydrogen covering 18 percent of all energy demands by 2025.” Valery Salygin, Director, International Energy Policy and Diplomacy Institute of Moscow State Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia (MIEP MGIMO)
“Between 2004 and 2018 coal consumption [in China – Ed.] went down by 18.7%. <…> We’re developing intellectual electric grid with 127 projects completed already. <…> By 2035, we’re planning to create a special project called Internet +. It’s an intellectual operating dispatch system that will adapt itself to the current market situation.” Xu Xiaodong, Deputy Head, Chinese Electric Power Planning and Engineering Institute
Energy systems of China and Russia are among the largest in the world
“Cumulative available capacity of the Russian energy system is 250 gWh. Energy production volume stays about the same: 1 trillion 90 billion kWh. Russian energy systems work along those of 10 countries. <…> It’s 8 different time zones.” Sergei Shmatko, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation on International Cooperation in the Electric Power Industry
“China is one of the world leaders in energy production and consumption, as well as in cumulative available capacity.” Valery Salygin, Director, International Energy Policy and Diplomacy Institute of Moscow State Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia (MIEP MGIMO)
PROBLEMS
Basic infrastructural fatigue
“We need to stimulate the renewal of main infrastructure elements of the industry. <…> 55% of generation facilities in Russia are 35 years old or more. Primary circuit fatigue is at 50%, distribution grid is at 70%.” Sergei Shmatko. Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation on International Cooperation in the Electric Power Industry
Tightening security required in the energy sector
“Protecting vulnerabilities of critically important energy infrastructure elements is a paramount task. <…> We have every reason to believe that this problem only grew in the past few years. We received direct orders from our leadership to provide all the necessary defenses.” Sergei Shmatko, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation on International Cooperation in the Electric Power Industry
“We’re concerned about improving the security of atomic energy.” Huang Xuenun Department Head, National Energy Administration of the People's Republic of China
SOLUTIONS
Developing long-term international relations in the energy sphere
“Even though Russian-Chinese relations in the energy sector aren’t stalling, we’d like to see the frozen point of 3 billion kWh move up.” Yuri Manevich, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation
“Partnership between Russian and Chinese companies happens across different vectors. It’s consciously planned to be long-term, moving away from rapid exchanges – in other words, it’s very promising. <…> I see great many options for our companies to work together in other countries.” Sergei Shmatko, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation on International Cooperation in the Electric Power Industry
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