Projektit

The project is aimed  to search modernization plans of Russian electricity transfer networks and identify business models for Finnish energy cluster /  companies to support them to participate in coming investment projects.  The final goal is to develope the first pilot project in Russia, with one of  the leading  energy companies in selected Russian region.

Project’s goal and its compatibility with the National innovation strategy and with the strategic objectives of FinNode partners, OSKEs, SHOKs etc.

During the energy reform in Russia in 2000-2007 power lines were settled to the ownership of state companies,  high voltages to FSK and 14 low voltage ones to holding MRSK. Now there is a huge need to start modernisation of the networks and even privatisation seems to be an option. The first step may be model, in which networks will stay as state assets but given to be operated by private companies, even to foreign ones. To due to lack of Russian domestic  investors, technology, expertize etc foreign companies will be invited, too. Holding MRSK already works with Enel (Italy) and ERDF (France).

This project will be linked with the members of Finnish-Russian Energy Club and  provided with close communication of Cleen Oy's consortium ' Smart Grids and Energy Markets' ( SGEM) project.

The goal of the project is the search for opportunities for Finnish companies in implementation of Smart Grid concepts in Russian industrial practice. Russian Federal Grid company assigned funds to consistent reconstruction and renovation of regional/aerial grids up to Smart Grids standards. It included improvement of existing power lines, renovation of power equipment on substations, new power control hard- and software, construction of  new communication lines and so on. Implementation of well-developed Finnish smart grid technologies can be in commercial interest for Russian customers.

Key findings

Smart Grids Concept was created in the USA and EU countries to achieve the following long-term goals:

•Ecological – maximum use of renewable energy sources
•Technological – reduced losses in power grids and increased reliability of power supply
•Economical – to decrease expenses of the end-user

Russia ranks 5th in the world in installed capacity of power plants, and the Unified Energy System of Russia, synchronizing the operation of all plants, is one of the largest in the world. However, most of the grid  and power equipment was put into operation more than 30 years ago and does not meet modern technical requirements in terms of losses  and reliability. The share of grids in  price for  end users is growing. The simple  replacement of equipment without significant improvement of control principles will require huge investments.

In spite of the fact that the Russian technological and legislative basis differs from the Western one significantly, smart grids concept will be developed by all major players of the Russian energy market

Being one of the world leaders in energy saving and closest neighbor of Russia, Finland has good chances in the growing smart grids market of Russia. The most attractive customers for Finnish (and other foreign) companies are two largest players in the Russian market – FGC UES (Federal Grid Company) and MRSK (Interregional Distribution Grid Companies) Holding.
FGC UES is implementing the concept of active and adaptive grids.

MRSK (JSC Interregional Distribution Grid Companies Holding) is the largest potential customer. The Holding is actively developing projects connected with introduction of Smart Metering concept in Russian regions.

Russian potential customers are interested in both the Finnish equipment, hard-  and software running within the concepts of smart grids and smart metering, as well as in practical experience of Finnish companies to introduce advanced management concepts and interact with end users.

The potential of this market is billions of euros.
 

Next actions

Currently, the political situation in Russia has stabilized, the State Duma and the President were elected. The new Cabinet will be to reform the economy, including the  management system of electric power transmission and distribution. The reforms provide additional opportunities for Finnish companies.

FSK UES adjusts the investment program now. Finnish companies have to participate in all activities organized by the FSK UES  and to offer their products and services. Finpro shall promptly inform Finnish companies about all significant events  in the energy sector and the queries of Russian consumers

As a preliminary stage for Finnish companies to enter the market of MRSK projects, a seminar in Finland with participation of Finnish and Russian grid and retail companies could be recommended .
Finpro could help with organization of this event in Finland and inviting Russian participants with presentations.

FinNode Russia Smart Grids (pdf) (2.8 MB)

Skorlygin Vladimir
Finpro Moscow
+7 499 255 7616
vladimir.skorlygin@finpro.fi