Russia adopts a new energy strategy until 2035

The Russian government has approved a new draft energy strategy until 2035, which seeks to maximise the contribution of the hydrocarbon industry to the development of Russia and to strengthen the country’s position in the global energy sector. Russia aims to develop and diversify its energy exports, modernise and develop its infrastructure, achieve technological independence and boost the competitiveness of the fuel and energy sectors. To do so, the government intends to improve the efficiency, accessibility and quality of energy supply (oil products, gas and electricity), to increase LNG production with the formation of a cluster on the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas, and to develop the production and consumption of hydrogen with the objective to make Russia a global leader in the field. The strategy also aims at developing gas infrastructure in Eastern Siberia and in the Russian Far East to integrate the country into a single gas supply system, and at boosting innovation in energy companies. Finally, it aims at introducing digital technologies in the energy sector (smart metering and smart grids).

In March 2020, the Russian Ministry for Economic Development issued a draft plan for 2050, which is currently being reviewed by other ministries, with estimates on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels and power development. Under the plan, GHG emissions by 2030 would be allowed to rise from 1.58 GtCO₂ in 2017 to 2.08 GtCO₂ (67% of 3.11 GtCO₂ recorded 1990) and to 1.99 GtCO₂ by 2050 (64% of 1990 levels). The new goal is more ambitious than the existing target proposed in 2015 to limit 2030 emissions to 75% of 1990 levels (2.33 GtCO₂).