The long‑term outlook for Russia’s energy balance points to a growing role for natural gas, with forecasts suggesting the gas share could climb to 40 percent or more by 2050. This view comes from Nikolai Shulginov, who leads the Ministry of Energy, as reported by TASS. He emphasized that the future energy mix will largely follow how demand evolves across industries and households, noting that gas is already a dominant element in the current balance. As the country moves through coal phaseouts, the gas share is expected to push past the 40 percent threshold in the mid‑century window, reflecting a shift toward cleaner, more flexible generation options. (citation: official Ministry of Energy briefing via TASS)
In this evolving scenario, the reliability of gas as a backbone for the grid becomes even more critical. The trajectory implies a gradual reduction in coal’s contribution to electricity generation, from roughly 14 percent today to around 8 percent by 2050. At the same time, renewable energy is projected to grow, though its expansion will face practical limits. The intermittency of wind and solar means the grid will require complementary, flexible resources to maintain steady power supply, underscoring the need for storage, balancing services, and robust transmission networks. (citation: energy market projections cited by national energy authorities)
The question of nuclear energy’s role remains central to Russia’s energy strategy. Projections for 2042 place nuclear’s share in the energy balance in the vicinity of 24 to 24.5 percent, driven by new reactor construction across the Far East, Siberia, and the European part of the country. Yet a level near 30 percent by 2042 is viewed as unlikely, given the scale and pace of development required for such a jump. This assessment reflects ongoing considerations about safety, siting, financing, and the export potential of Russian nuclear technology. (citation: sector analyses and official forecasts)
During Russian Energy Week, Rosatom’s chief, Alexei Likhachev, suggested that nuclear could account for about 30 percent of the energy balance, indicating continued expansion, modernization, and international collaboration within the nuclear sector. His remarks highlight the strategic importance of nuclear power for maintaining energy security and supporting regional energy integration across neighboring markets. (citation: Rosatom statements from energy week events)
Earlier reports highlighted the commissioning of the second power unit at a nuclear power plant in Belarus, described as a milestone in regional nuclear cooperation. This development underscores Russia’s role in advancing export‑oriented growth for its nuclear industry and expanding regional energy interconnections, while raising considerations about regulatory alignment, safety standards, and the economic impact on neighboring energy systems. (citation: regional energy cooperation updates)