Uralenergosbyt Secures Rights to Russia’s Wind Farm Projects Amid Shifting Supply Lines
The company Uralenergosbyt, linked to the Fortum group, has won the full slate of wind energy projects planned in Russia. This update came from Kommersant, quoting a source familiar with the discussions.
Uralenergosbyt has been allotted 738 MW of wind capacity at an average price of 4.6 rubles per kilowatt hour. This allocation effectively replaces the amount of renewable energy capacity that Fortum earlier rejected, within the context of Russia’s evolving market. Details remain unclear regarding the equipment that will be used for the wind turbines once Western suppliers exit the Russian market. Fortum’s leadership in Russia has been actively exploring the possibility of starting turbine production in partnership with Chinese firms.
Sources within the publication also indicated that a 2 gigawatt portfolio of wind farms could attract foreign investors, broadening the appeal of Russia’s wind expansion to international capital and expertise.
Analysts tracking wind generation projects note that the initial outputs appear to align with global benchmarks. Global leading practice shows wind farm generation costs typically range from about $33 to $63 per megawatt-hour, roughly translating to 2.6 to 5.1 rubles per kilowatt-hour at current exchange rates. This comparison places the Russian developments within a recognized international framework for wind energy economics.
On February 13, Kommersant reported, citing statistics from the Trading System Administrator, that Russian investors in green energy ventures may encounter delays in bringing up projects with a total capacity of 3 GW due to ongoing international sanctions. Key factors slowing progress include a shortage of equipment suppliers, higher metal prices, and a heavier workload at Russian manufacturing facilities. These constraints are shaping the pace and scale of the country’s transition toward low-carbon electricity and the broader deployment of hydrogen and carbon-free technologies.