Fuel and power complex of Russia and its contribution to the greenhouse effect: Estimates, methods, prospects

The status of the Russian power industry is discussed in view of the present and future national economy. The power supply situation is critical and should be improved by more efficient utilization of the immense power resources. This is a difficult task due to the concomitant required improvements of the living standard as well as the social and economic revival. Three scenarios aiming at achieving these goals are presented covering the period until 2000 and beyond. The Russian Law on Environmental Protection is discussed and its consequences for a taxation system aiming at CO2 emission reduction. Data are given on atmospheric emissions from the front-end of the nuclear fuel-cycle. Replacing six nuclear power plants in the central and north-west regions by six gas and coal fueled power plants will cause an increase of almost 100 Mtonnes of CO2 annually. Details about the present and future situation of nuclear power generation are discussed. (author). 8 refs, 2 figs, 13 tabs