Report - UNDP Russia

Chapter 6Opportunities for Renewable Sourcesof Energy6.1. Changing structureof the global energy balanceThe International Energy Agency (IEA) hasdefined several key vectors for operation of theworld energy sector in order to meet goals ofsustainable development: more efficient use ofenergy resources; reducing energy intensity of theworld economy; ensuring energy security; and alsocreation of a new viable and independentrenewable power industry that can play a key rolein making the fuel sector more environmentfriendly and in increasing the share of clean energyin the global fuel & energy balance.The IEA forecast shows a global shift ofthe energy balance towards greater energyefficiency, large-scale use of renewable energysources, development of advanced CO 2 capturetechnologies, and changeover of the transportindustry to new types of fuel. These changes willhelp to diversify national fuel & energy sectorsand reduce emission of greenhouse gases.Renewable energy is the energygenerated from natural resources such assunlight, wind, water (including wastewater),tides and wave power of oceans, seas and rivers.It also includes geothermal energy obtained fromnatural subterranean heat sources and low-gradeheat energy that comes from the earth, air andwater, using a special transfer medium. Anotherrenewable on the energy menu is biomass, whichis primarily plant matter grown to produce heat.For example, forest residues (such as dead trees)Figure 6.1may be used as biomass. Biomass also includeswaste from consumption and production, butnot hydrocarbon waste materials from variousmanufacturing and power/heating facilities.Renewable energy technologies are also used toutilize biogases such as pit gas and landfill gas.Heightened interest in renewables isconnected with ever growing energyconsumption and the need to reduceemissions of greenhouse gases. Fossil fuels arenon-renewable. They are limited in supply andwill one day be depleted. The production anduse of fossil fuels raise environmental concerns.So production of energy using renewables is anincreasingly attractive option.Developed countries have been joinedby developing nations, such as China and India,in intensive development of renewables. Thesetwo countries boast the fastest growing marketsfor renewable energy in the world.The share of renewable electricity (withouthydro-generating) in gross electricity consumptionin countries of the European Community (EU-15)grew by 4 percentage points in 10 years (Figure6.1), representing electricity output of 130 TWh.The market share of renewables has topped 2% inthe last two years (2006–2008), showing thesubstantial increase in total renewable electricitygeneration in western European countries. In somecountries the renewable energy share in grosselectricity consumption exceeds 10% (Iceland andDenmark, 29%; Portugal, 18%; Philippines, 17%;Spain, Finland and Germany, more than 12%;EU-15 electricity generationin 1996 by energy sources, %EU-15 electricity generationin 2006 by energy sources, %EU-15 electricity generationin 2008 by energy sources, %Renewableenergy sources(without HPPs)2%Hydro powerplants13%Renewableenergy sources(without HPPs)6%Hydro powerplants10%Renewableenergy sources(without HPPs)8%Hydro powerplants10%Nuclearpower plants36%Fuel-firedpower plants49%Nuclearpower plants31%Fuel-firedpower plants53%Nuclearpower plants29%Fuel-firedpower plants53%Data provided by Energy Information Association108 National Human Development Report in the Russian Federation 2009