Is a transition to green energy possible? Some observations from Arctic experts
The 3rd Sino-Russian Arctic School "Human impact on Arctic ecosystems: increasing need for proper Arctic governance" took place in Karelia. The school was the result of cooperation between St Petersburg University, Petrozavodsk State University and the Ocean University of China (Qingdao, China). The event showcased an exceptional pool of expert knowledge and research potential on a wide range of Arctic-related issues.
More than 30 graduates, doctoral students and early-career researchers spent a week engaged in problem-oriented expert sessions, lectures and follow-up discussions. The agenda included: natural resource extraction policies and environmental technologies for the reclamation of Arctic lands and waters; renewable energy capacity for the economic development of northern territories; Arctic oil and gas supplies and their impact on Arctic ecosystems; and the potential of sustainable tourism for the economic and cultural development of the European sector of the Russian Arctic.
Universities in Russia and China can jointly train talented specialists in science, technology and engineering. There are more than 60 million engineers in China. Natural sciences and engineering are much in demand among many Chinese students.
Guo Peiqing, Professor of the Ocean University of China
The participants weighed the pros and cons of a possible transition to green Arctic transport, using low-carbon technologies and green energy supply systems adapted to extremely low temperatures. No less important was the elaboration of practical and structural and technical solutions for Arctic settlements, and proposals for further interaction of Russian and Chinese science and business in this field.
What is important is that Chinese engineers are willing to work with their Russian counterparts to develop renewable energy generation systems and certification standards. Today, the development of Arctic wind power capacity is a top priority. Despite the harsh climatic conditions and lack of sunlight in the Russian Far North, expert assessments show that cooperation in the field of photovoltaic energy is likely to meet the energy needs of people in sparsely populated areas and local small businesses.
Last but not least, scientists unanimously agree that the future of power generation lies in hydrogen technologies.
The situation with small hydro-electric power stations seems to be more complicated. Some experiments in the Arctic regions show that these stations can operate in the wholesale market, i.e. they can sell energy to the general grid or directly to end-users through contracts and agreements. The experts say that investments in small hydro-electric power stations are profitable, the only question is the payback period. However, Russia has not yet managed to fully evaluate the full capacity of small hydro-electric power stations in the Arctic.
Although Chinese investors are relatively interested in green energy projects in Russia, they are looking for a more favourable business environment and mechanisms to protect their investments, including the creation of a feed-in tariff system to encourage companies to invest in renewable energy. Prospects are also opening up for the development of university-to-university cooperation, where the presence and involvement of entrepreneurs is essential for the development of ground-breaking, well-designed and effective solutions.