Some aspects of Russia's energy policy implementation in the context of the transition to a circular economy

Abstract

Subject. Implementation of the energy policy of the Russian Federation in the context of the transition to a circular economy, including indicators of the development of renewable energy, resource efficiency and strategic planning of the fuel and energy complex. Objectives. To identify and evaluate circular aspects in Russia's modern energy policy, analyze the compliance of the targets of the Energy Strategy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2050 with the principles of a closed-loop economy, and substantiate the directions for deepening resource-saving transformation of the energy sector. Methods. A systematic approach, comparative and statistical analysis of data from international organizations and national strategic documents, content analysis, comparison of target indicators with closed-loop criteria, as well as V.L. Kvint's strategizing methodology are applied. Results. The analysis of global trends has been carried out and contradictions between decarbonization and economic efficiency have been identified; the types of waste in the energy sector have been identified; the dynamics of capacity and electricity generation based on renewable energy sources in the Russian Federation for 2018–2024, as well as the dynamics of losses in the electric grid, have been shown. It has been established that the Energy Strategy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2050 contains certain resource-saving elements (utilization of ash and slag, increased efficiency of associated petroleum gas use, reduction of losses), but does not imply a full-scale transition to a circular economy due to the preservation of an extensive resource model, export orientation, low share of renewable energy sources and lack of targets for recycling of equipment. Conclusions. The transition to a circular economy in the Russian energy sector is a strategic necessity, but at the current stage it is being implemented mainly through increasing resource efficiency. Deepening the transformation requires the formation of closed technological chains, the promotion of recycling, and the application of a strategic methodology that links global sustainable development goals with national priorities and regional specifics.