Development of Tools for Decarbonization of Electricity Consumption in the Russian Federation

Abstract

The threat of global climate change today dictates a green course for the international economy and industry. It implies a set of tools to decarbonize production, as well as increase energy and environmental efficiency, to reduce the harmful anthropogenic impact on the ecosystem. The use of renewable energy sources (RES) is at the center of the global agenda. In many countries, a policy of increasing the production and consumption of renewable energy is being implemented, and since there are not so many effective technologies for carbon dioxide capture now, the construction of renewable energy capacities and an increase in the share of production at such power plants is a good alternative to combating climate change. In many countries, various government and market incentives are being developed for investment in such energy sources, as they are quite expensive. One of such solutions is the issue of renewable energy certificates. The paper analyzed the most popular world energy certification systems, which are compared with the prototype of the Russian national certification system. The economic effect of the use of certificates of origin of energy as an engine for the development of voluntary demand instead of mandatory payments is determined. In addition, the effects are formulated separately for both the energy generator and the consumer purchasing certificates. In modern conditions, the best solution seems to be the voluntary nature of such tools, because, firstly, many leading countries use them that way, and secondly, time is needed to popularize “green” certificates in Russian realities. Finally, it is necessary to create appropriate incentives for both companies generating clean energy, and companies supporting “green” production.