The Russian Federation''s Transition to Development of Isolated Energy Sources: The Problems Affecting Magadan Region
The article has covered the Russian Federation's (RF) ongoing transition to development of isolated energy (IE) sources, highlighting the regional-level challenges facing the country. In so doing, the paper focuses on Magadan Region (MR), an RF subject in the Far East. The MR electric power supply system - isolated from Russia's unified energy system - is a key component of the regional economy; it includes businesses engaged in the production, transmission and distribution of electricity, steam and hot water. The critique relates that the regional central energy unit (CEU) provides power to almost every major consumer area. Moreover, the CEU functions as a power station alongside the Kolyma hydroelectric power plant, the Magadan thermoelectric power plant (TPP), and the Arkagalinskaya state-regional power plant. The review adds that decentralized energy supplies are carried to MR from small power plants, while thermal loads for Magadan municipality are conveyed directly from the TPP. Arkagalinskaya and small boilers (for coal and fuel oil) are tasked with providing heating for MR's consumers. At this stage the report refocuses on innovative technologies (ITs), with these expected to promote major areas of MR's energy-development plans. ITs, the commentary states, would increase the power system's reliability, while improving the financial efficiency of production (reducing 'unreasonable' losses, cutting fuel outlays, and increasing the service-life of energy-tied equipment. The essay relates that 'Magadanelektroset Ltd.' is leading the region's IP-improvement profile, with that venture handling automatic metering of electricity. The study also deals with the 'negative factors' caused by the transition to development of IE sources: these encompass severe climatic conditions; and lack of railway communications, financial resources and project specialists. The blueprint in closing has unveiled several other IE development spheres, such as setting up mobile 'turnkey' substations, building 'smart grids,' and creating alternative energy options (for instance smaller power plants).