The coal sector makes only a negligible contribution to the Russian economy. In 2020, the share of coal sector in Russia’s GDP was estimated at 1%. However, the sector has greater regional significance, especially in the Kemerovo (Kuzbass) region, which produces more than half of Russia’s coal.

The climate impacts of the coal sector are proportionally much greater than its contribution to the Russian economy. The conservative approach espoused by the Russian leadership and the coal sector does not foresee an end to coal mining, and encourages expanding coal exports. Nevertheless, the global low-carbon trend is apparent in the Russian coal sector. External pressures are increasing as the low-carbon policies of importing countries result in declining demand for Russian coal.

Thus, it would make sense from an economic as well as a social perspective for Russia to prepare for a coal transition.

This research explored the elements of a fair and equitable coal transition in Russia that could help to limit the social and economic impacts for workers and communities.

Some of the researchers have written a book outlining their vision for Russia’s coal sector which you can find here: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-99-5370-7 

• Reports
  • Report: The Russian coal sector in a low-carbon world: Prospects for a Coal Transition?
  • Policy Brief: Green development of Russian coal-intensive regions: opportunities and innovations
  • Policy Brief: Economic diversification in Russia’s Kuzbass coal region
  • Policy Brief: Visions for the future of the Russian coal industry in light of the global decarbonisation trend

• Media and Publications
  • BBC Future: Will Russia ever leave fossil fuels behind?
  • Own coal goal: phasing out the fossil fuel in Russia. An interview with Anna Korppoo 
  • Blog post: The days of coal are numbered. It’s time for Russia to get ready for the energy transition

• Events
  • Watch a recording of our webinar on advancing the coal transition in Russia

This research was led by Anna Korppoo, Research Professor at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Oslo.