Russia Has 'Depleted' Soviet-Era Energy Reserves, Putin Ally Admits

Russia has exhausted its Soviet-era energy reserves and the country's electric power industry is in need of funding, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev said.

Speaking at an economic forum in Russia's Vladivostok, Tsivilev said that the electric power reserves that were created during the Soviet era "have been depleted."

He was responding to a question about how Russia's Far East will get through the autumn-winter period, and if additional measures were being taken to ensure reliable energy supply this coming winter.

"The main reason [for the depletion of Soviet-era reserves] is a lack of funding for the modernization and maintenance of equipment," he told Russia's state-run news agency Tass in his first interview as Russian energy minister, published on Monday.

"In order to reduce risks, we have already classified the Far Eastern Federal District subjects as regions with high risks in the electric power industry and are implementing measures to reduce accidents and improve the reliability of thermal generation," he said.

Local authorities will be conducting emergency response training in all regions in Russia's Far East by October 1, the energy minister said.

Emergency reserves have also been strengthened and power stations have been provided with fuel reserves. "These measures will collectively allow us to swiftly eliminate possible emergency situations," Tsivilev said.

According to independent Russian news outlet The Moscow Times, electricity consumption in Russia's Far East is 69 billion kWh annually, and this will grow to 96 billion kWh by 2030. Energy consumption increased in the region by 3.5 percent last year, and 1.4 percent in Russia overall.

On September 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the economic forum that "some regions, settlements and large Far Eastern investors are already facing a shortage of electricity" and "are forced to wait for the commissioning of new stations, which is holding back construction, industrial facilities and infrastructure."

"I have already instructed the government, together with our major energy companies and business circles, to prepare a long-term program for the development of energy capacities in the Far East and to provide for project financing mechanisms for it," the Russian president said.

"Within the framework of this program, it is necessary to eliminate the predicted deficit of electric power in the Far East, primarily by commissioning new generating facilities," Putin said, noting that they will provide the area with power but also "help protect territories and populated areas from floods."

Putin said discussions are also underway about the construction of nuclear power plants in the Far East.

"Let me emphasize: the plan for the development of electric power industry must take into account both the current and future needs of businesses and citizens, and the long-term tasks facing our constituent entities of the Federation, cities and towns," he added.

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