Transformation of the energy sector in the Arctic in the context of sustainable development of the region

Abstract

Abstract The Arctic is the northernmost region of our planet, including the outskirts of the continents of Eurasia and North America, as well as the corresponding islands and archipelagos, the Arctic Ocean and parts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Despite the still existing discrepancy in the concept of the boundaries of the Arctic region, all researchers agree in one opinion: this region is most sensitive to the climate change, and the consequences may be irreversible. As a part of the commitments on sustainable development undertaken by Russia and taking into account the importance and special status of the Arctic region, it seems necessary to consider the possibility of transforming the energy sector of the Arctic as one of the main sources of emissions of pollutants and CO2 in the region. The combination of energy sources proposed in the article - natural gas and renewable energy sources - is the cleanest and most environmentally friendly, and a hybrid energy system based on this alliance is the most sustainable and allows to use advantages of proposed energy sources, hedging each other's limitations. Proposed hybrid system could contribute to the development of the region and the well-being of its population and the environment.