Prospects for Renewable Energy at the Regional Level (in the Example of the Kemerovo Region) in the Context of Decarbonization and Decentralized Generation

Abstract

The Kemerovo region is one of the largest regions for coal mining. The region’s economy is growing every year, but residents of remote communities still use diesel generators (which negatively affects the environment and essentially means poor use of it) or do not have access to centralize electricity. The Advanced Development Programme for Electricity Systems in the region has a limited budget and does not cover all regions. Most of the existing infrastructure has been in use for more than 25 years, which increases the relevance of decentralized generation. Renewable energy not only reduces emissions significantly, but also addresses the challenge of providing energy to rural people. The authors studied the feasibility of installations of solar panels, wind and hydro installations of low capacity in the Kemerovo region. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the use of hydropower plants will provide 6% of rural Residents of Tisul and Tashtagol municipal districts with electricity. Solar panels and collectors can be used in almost any area, but it is economically justified to link their installation with tourism development programs in the region. As far as wind farms are concerned, they are under-powered for objective reasons, and decisions about their use require further research.