Russia: A Gas Superpower Striving for Nuclear Expansion and Starting to Support Renewables

Russia has the fourth highest electricity demand globally. In the mid- and long-term,fossil fuels (gas, oil and coal) and nuclear energy will remain the backbone of Russiandomestic and international energy policies. Russia is spearheading international supportfor nuclear power. Recent governmental decisions clearly show growing supportfor renewables. Despite overall budget cuts, renewable energy has for the first timereceived direct financial support from the federal budget. While energy efficiency policieshave experienced substantial setbacks in recent years, gasification of public transportcould further contribute to decarbonisation.