Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak gives a report at the 13th Russian-German Raw Materials Forum.
Speaking about Russia’s
energy cooperation with Germany, Alexander Novak noted its strategic leading
role in Europe. “Germany is Russia’s main partner in terms of fuel-and-energy cooperation
in Europe. Our energy cooperation amounts to a strategic partnership. Last year,
we marked the 50th anniversary of a truly historical event in our cooperation
– on February 1, 1970, an agreement was signed on the supply of large-diameter pipes
by West German companies, and loans from German banks in exchange for natural
gas from the USSR. Thanks to this contract of the century, we laid the
foundation for promising cooperation. Russia is making a big contribution to
the energy security of Germany and Europe in general, meeting over a third of
Germany’s energy requirements. By now, we have supplied Germany with over one
trillion cubic metres of gas since the beginning of this cooperation,” Mr Novak
emphasised.
Mr Novak believes
natural gas will continue playing a big role in the future of the energy industry
despite the current trends of decarbonisation and the “greening” of European energy.
“Gas is a pure source of energy, and its consumption is growing both in advanced
and developing countries. Its share in the energy balance is on the rise,” he said.
Nevertheless, the
Russian Federation is focusing on the climate agenda, which is playing an increasing
role in the global economy and energy.
“President of the
Russian Federation Vladimir Putin noted in his statement that the destiny of our
entire planet, development prospects for every country, and the wellbeing and
quality of life of all people largely depend on the success of everyone’s efforts
to counter climate change. We intend to continue increasing the utilisation of associated
petroleum gas to over 95 percent and its further commercial use, reduce greenhouse
emissions and develop renewable energy sources. Today, low-carbon energy sources
– the sun, wind, hydro and atomic energy – already amount to 41 percent of our
energy balance. Russia has set an ambitious goal to increase the share of these
energy sources,” Mr Novak said.
Speaking about the
development of new eco-friendly energy sources, the Deputy Prime Minister
emphasised the need to avoid discriminating against traditional energy sources that
will still form the backbone of consumption in the near future.
“That said we also
think that hydrogen is a promising energy source in the energy balance. For Russia,
hydrogen generated energy is a natural product in the development of domestic
science and technology. It continues a resource-saving approach that is
traditional in this country. Russia’s strategic goal is to use its national
potential in the production, export and use of hydrogen in various economic areas.
The Government of the Russian Federation has endorsed a roadmap for hydrogen
energy development, and has prepared a relevant draft concept,” he said.
Mr Novak noted
that in implementing an energy policy, countries must take into account related
trends in digital transformation, the development of artificial intelligence,
robotisation, and work with Big Data. “Management processes will be much slower
and more complicated, if not impossible, without digital transformation and the
development of integrated systems,” Mr Novak said.
