Powering Up the Far East: A Comprehensive Look at Energy Development
Building process initiated for energy production facility in Yakutia
YAKUTIA.INFO. In a bid to cater to the rising energy demands in the Far Eastern Federal District, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has directed the Ministry of Energy to contemplate locating new power generation facilities. The cabinet revealed that the Ministry will investigate the potential for establishing facilities in Khabarovsk and Primorye territories (up to 445 MW), the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) (up to 233 MW), Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (up to 65.8 MW), Sakhalin region, and Kamchatka territory (179 MW and 31 MW respectively). Furthermore, solar and wind power plants with a combined capacity of approximately 1700 MW are also being considered.
Let's delve deeper into the emerging energy landscape of Russia's Far East, encompassing regions like Yakutia, Khabarovsk, Primorye, Chukotka, Sakhalin, and Kamchatka.
Nuclear Power: Rosatom's Far Eastern Expansion
Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear corporation, aims to significantly boost nuclear power generation in the Far East and Siberia regions by 2042. This ambitious plan intends to increase nuclear's share in Russia's electricity mix to 25%, which includes building 38 new nuclear power units across the country. Notably, some of these will be specifically designed for the challenging conditions of the Far East. These reactors will range between 600 and 1,200 MWe and also feature small modular reactors (both land-based and floating versions) tailored for remote areas like the Far East and Arctic zones.
Floating Nuclear Power for Remote Areas
Rosatom is relying on innovative solutions such as the existing floating nuclear plant Akademik Lomonosov, which serves as a model for remote-area energy solutions in the Arctic and Far East. The corporation plans to replicate such floating nuclear power plants, which could provide a promising solution for regions with challenging logistics like Yakutia and Chukotka.
Expanding Natural Gas Infrastructure and Power Generation
The "Power of Siberia" gas pipeline network is under development to fuel power generation expansion and regional energy needs. Key projects include:
- Power of Siberia 1, currently supplying gas from eastern Siberian fields to China.
- Power of Siberia 2, a major project planned to start construction around 2024 and deliver 50 bcm/year of natural gas from the Yamal Peninsula to northern China via Mongolia by 2030. This pipeline will help boost natural gas availability and potentially facilitate new gas-fired power plants in the Far East to replace more polluting sources.
- A smaller Power of Siberia 3 pipeline (capacity ~10 bcm/year) from Sakhalin is also in planning to boost regional gas exports.
These pipelines indirectly support Far East power generation by ensuring a steady supply of natural gas, potentially enabling new combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants in the region.
Thermal Power Plants and Investments
Unigreen Energy is investing approximately 65 billion rubles in the construction of a 650 MW gas-fired thermal power plant, expected to produce about 1 billion kWh annually. This project, likely located in the Far East, is set for completion by the end of 2027 and will bolster regional grid reliability by reducing the reliance on older, less efficient generation facilities.
In conclusion, Russia’s Far East power generation expansion involves a diverse approach, including nuclear (especially small and floating reactors) and gas-fired plants, backed by major gas pipeline projects that enhance fuel supply security. This multi-faceted approach addresses remote area challenges and supports both domestic demand and export ambitions. Cost specifics for nuclear projects remain unclear but are expected to be substantial due to the scale and technology involved.
The renewable-energy industry is considering the establishment of solar and wind power plants with a combined capacity of approximately 1700 MW in the Far Eastern regions of Russia, such as Yakutia and Chukotka, as part of an extensive energy development plan. Finance plays a crucial role in the development of these power plants, with investments like the 65 billion rubles invested by Unigreen Energy in a 650 MW gas-fired thermal power plant aimed at improving the energy landscape of the Far East.
