Rustam Minnikhanov: We need an efficient mechanism of energy sector modernization

“Energy complex of Volga federal district needs serious modernization and mechanism to provide measures of state support, tax stimulation, federal targeted financing, changes in rules of energy market”, - RT President Rustam Minnikhanov stated at a session of Council at Proxy representative of RF in the VFD in Perm. The session held by Proxy representative of RF in the VFD Grigory Rapota was dedicated to development of energy complex in the VFD.

Tatarstan was presented at the session by Vice-premier - Minister of energy Ilshat Fardiev, Chairman of State committee on tariffs Rauzil Khaziev.

Grigory Rapota informed that in the nearest time the growth of energy consumption by 2,3-2,8 % per year is expected. At the same time the capacity growth is to make 1,5-2 %. Thus, according to Grigory Rapota possible energy shortage may occur. This problem may be solved by developing energy efficiency, modernization of networks, and increase of generation efficiency.

Chairman of working group – President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov made the key report. By and large, Volga federal district is a balanced region in terms of electric power still a local power shortage in several energy junctions is observed.

21 % of oil production volume in Russia goes to Volga federal district. 41,5 % of Russian oil-refining capacity and 13 big and 9 small oil-refining plants are located on the territory of VFD. Currently new oil-refining plant TANECO is being constructed.

The district is a largest gas consumer in Russia. In 2010 JSC Gasprom delivered 101,8 bln. cubic meters of gas to VFD that is 6,7 % more than in 2009. By and large the level of gasification in the district make 85,1 %.

By words of Rustam Minnikhanov, small enterprises producing oil and gas from unefficient reservoirs may become redundant for increasing production in old oil-producing regions.

RT President pointed out some problems which, according to the working group, prevent fuel-energy complex of the district from development. The first one is condition of equipment in electric power industry. By words of Rustam Minnikhanov the problem of equipment renewal in VFD cannot be solved only at the expense of existing resources.

Rustam Minnikhanov suggested adopting a regulatory act establishing single technical policy in Russian energy sector and defining control mechanisms of technical solutions under new construction. Also RT President believes a possible development of Federal targeted program for distribution electric networks and unified method of supporting construction of new generation networks for investors should be considered.

Another problem is lack of conditions and efficient tools for developing small energy. In particular, rules of retail selling electric power and small-generation capacity are badly developed and there is no preferential pricing and marketing policy in the network.

RT President also emphasized the problem of rise in prices for petrol and oil products, complexity and high prices for energy audit and necessary increase of distribution networks reliability under hard weather conditions.

According to Rustam Minnikhanov in order to prevent further lack in energy sector an efficient planned mechanism of its modernization providing state support, tax stimulation, federal targeted financing is needed.

In the course of session heads of regions discussed issues of modernizing energy sector with representatives of Ministry of energy, generation and network companies.