Institutional, Technical and Economic Challenges of Electric Power Development in Central Asian Countries: The Role of the Russian Federation

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY OF NATIONAL ECONOMIC SYSTEMS IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL ENERGY AND RESOURCE INSTABILITY

Against the backdrop of global instability in energy and resource markets, ensuring the environmentally balanced development of national economies has become a top priority. For Ukraine, which has overcome the consequences of the armed conflict, remains dependent on fossil fuels, and is integrated into the European energy system, this task is complicated by many factors. The fragmentation of environmental regulations, the obsolescence of industrial infrastructure, and poor coordination among government agencies are hindering the transition to a “green” economic model. The aim of this article is a comprehensive study of the environmental sustainability of Ukraine’s economy in the context of global energy and resource instability. The paper identifies key elements of sustainability–the degree of energy sovereignty, resource consumption intensity, institutional effectiveness, and the level of environmental awareness–along with an analysis of the main obstacles in each area. The study analyzes geopolitical factors destabilizing supply chains and the role of international climate mechanisms (carbon regulation, “green” bonds) in enhancing the economy’s adaptability. Energy transition scenarios for solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy are examined, with a differentiation of potential benefits and limitations. Particular attention is paid to the implementation of circular models in industry, construction, and the agricultural sector, the adaptation of international environmental standards, and the development of environmental monitoring systems. Key actors in the environmental transition–from state regulators to local communities–are systematized. Strategic priorities include the modernization of energy infrastructure, the development of distributed generation from renewable energy sources, tax incentives for resource conservation, and the expansion of recycling capacities. Together, these measures will increase Ukraine’s resilience to external shocks and strengthen its position in the clean technology market.

INFRASTRUCTURAL AND RESILIENT MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT OF OIL AND GAS ENTERPRISES IN THE CONDITIONS OF POLYCRISIS AND ENERGY TRANSITION

The article is devoted to an in-depth epistemological analysis of the evolution of economic thought and the conceptualization of a novel infrastructural and resilient model for the development of oil and gas complex enterprises. It is determined that the formation of an effective mechanism for the development of the industry objectively requires a rethinking of the theoretical basis due to the radical transformation of global energy markets, the accelerated energy transition, and the catastrophic consequences of military aggression. A thorough analysis of the transition from classical political economy and marginalism to the modern institutional matrix has been conducted. The evolution of strategic management is investigated through the prism of the Resource-Based View, the theory of dynamic capabilities, and the implementation of strict ESG criteria. It is proven that orthodox models of maximizing net present value and building massive vertically integrated monoliths are losing their scientific and practical validity under the conditions of military risks and decarbonization, generating the dangerous phenomenon of "geopolitically stranded assets." An infrastructural and resilient model of the oil and gas complex has been developed and conceptualized, which is fundamentally based on deep geographical decentralization, engineering modularity, managed redundancy, and the end-to-end integration of renewable energy sources. A modified mathematical apparatus for assessing the effectiveness of capital investments is proposed, which directly incorporates premiums for extreme military risk, environmental vulnerability, and the cost of ensuring the physical resilience of assets. It is also proven that in the conditions of a polycrisis, corporate flexibility is subordinated to the strict imperatives of national security, fully forming a novel economic phenomenon of the capital of national resilience.

Global nuclear renaissance in the context of a new energy architecture: strategic opportunities and constraints for Russia

The article analyzes the current nuclear renaissance in the context of changes in the global energy system. It is shown that the renewed interest in nuclear energy is connected not only with the climate agenda, but also with the consequences of the energy crisis of 2021–2022, growing electricity demand, the development of data centers and artificial intelligence, as well as energy security and technological sovereignty. Special attention is paid to the position of Russia and Rosatom in the global nuclear market. The article concludes that the Russian nuclear industry retains strong positions due to the full nuclear fuel cycle, export experience, fuel competencies and an integrated project support model. At the same time, the expansion of Russian opportunities depends on the ability to take into account sanctions, financial, logistical and institutional restrictions, as well as on the adaptation of the export model to the needs of customer countries.

Bridging the Gaps: A Comparative Analysis of Ukrainian and European Experiences in Municipal Energy Development

The full-scale war and the destruction of energy infrastructure have turned the development of local energy systems into a key prerequisite for the resilience of Ukrainian communities. At the same time, European integration requires aligning national decisions with the acquis communautaire in the energy sector, which highlights the need to define the regulatory and operational compliance of Ukraine’s models of municipal energy development. The aim of the study is a comparative analysis of models of municipal energy development in the EU and Ukraine to identify points of functional alignment, key gaps, and priority areas for harmonization. The methodology is based on functional, comparative-legal, and systems analyses of EU and Ukrainian regulations, typology of models of municipal energy development, and the construction of a compliance matrix. The study systematized 12 European and 9 Ukrainian models of municipal energy development. Based on functional criteria, the models were identified as individual and collective participation, spatial integration, market coordination, and social distribution; by levels, the models were classified according to the legal status of the entity, network and organizational integration, and market monetization. A high correspondence was found between Ukrainian active consumer and aggregation models and the overall European ones; partial correspondence was seen in direct line models, small distribution systems, and flexible connection; low correspondence was found in the public energy association model. The main gaps are related to the lack of energy sharing, renewables acceleration areas, digital permitting processes, a municipal long-term contracting model, and proper protection of energy-poor consumers. The scientific novelty lies in the development of a functional typology and a correspondence matrix for models of municipal energy development. The practical value is in identifying priorities for the development of the municipal energy cycle — from spatial planning and connection to joint use, market energy sales, and social benefit distribution.

On the Role of Development Banks in Economic Support: International Experience and Russian Practice

Contemporary patterns of economic cooperation between China and Central Asian countries

The study examines the contemporary patterns of economic cooperation between China and the countries of Central Asia under conditions of globalization and geopolitical transformation. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on regional trade, infrastructure connectivity, energy cooperation, and transport integration. Methodologically, the research is based on comparative, systemic, and historical-logical approaches. The study analyzes macroeconomic trends, infrastructure projects, trade dynamics, and the influence of external geopolitical factors on regional economic interaction. The findings demonstrate that China – Central Asia cooperation has intensified in recent years due to the expansion of transport corridors, investment projects, and trade relations. Infrastructure connectivity and energy cooperation are identified as the principal drivers of regional economic integration. At the same time, the analysis indicates that the effects of cooperation are uneven across the region and depend on national economic policies, logistics capacity, and external market conditions. The study concludes that China – Central Asia economic interaction represents an important element of contemporary Eurasian economic development and contributes to the diversification of regional trade and infrastructure networks.