Currently, the share of renewable energy in total electricity generation in the country is very small (about 0.9 %), despite the fact that Russia has huge resources of renewable energy. Only 179 TWh of Russia’s energy production comes from renewable energy sources, out of a total economically feasible potential of 1823 TWh. Only 16 % of Russia’s electricity is generated from hydropower, and less than 1 % is generated from all other renewable energy sources combined. The abundance of fossil fuels in the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation has resulted in little development of the renewable energy sector.
Renewable energy in Russia mainly consists of hydroelectric energy. But at the hydro power plant the water coming out of the power station still has some potential energy. This energy cannot be used within the given surroundings of the plant (no adequate slope available). Rather, the remaining potential energy is dissipated to the environment with the water leaving the station. In other words, the potential energy of the water can be used only down to the level where it is in equilibrium with the environment, in this case expressed as altitude.
At the moment, renewable energy development is slowed by low investment, economic instability, low public demand and low tariffs on heat and electricity.
There are currently plans to expand the share of renewable energy in Russia’s energy output. Russian leadership has taken steps to promote the development of renewable energy.