Economic Efficiency of the Spread of Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy Sources in Russia

摘要

Climate policy is becoming an important component of the global economic dynamics. The set of climate change control measures is wide but is predominantly reduced to an increased share of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy sources (RESs). For Russia, these measures are rational in terms of CO2 reduction; however, they lead to worsening of the macroeconomic indicators. The higher material intensity of low-carbon technologies ensures increased output, but their common drawback is the critical need for additional imports. In addition, the shift to RESs in the electricity generation structure will entail income shortfalls from the sale of our own natural gas or coal within the Russian economy. This distinguishes Russia fundamentally from countries that import hydrocarbon energy resources, because RESs for them are a way to economize on fuel purchases from external markets.