Water transport and energetic of North European part of Russia (a review)

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of water transport and energy development, and their peculiarities in the north of European Russia. The specific features of water transport and energy were considered for each of the regions. The main challenges and possible solutions for the development of water supply were studied. Inland waterways in the northern part of European Russia constitute about 13% of the length of Russia’s inland waterways. The region has considerable potential for the development of inland waterways. The main problem for inland water transport lies in an unsatisfactory condition of the waterways. Water transport cannot be developed further without addressing the shortage of new ports and docks, as well as without the introduction of new cargo and passenger vessels. The region has significant untapped hydropower potential. The hydropower characteristics of watercourses typical of the north of European Russia allow for the generation of electricity by small hydropower plants, fully satisfying the needs of regions whose economies are focused on agricultural and forest industry. Revival of the small hydropower industry will help to both avoid energy deficit in remote areas and reduce the burden on the environment. Some problems of water resources of the north of European Russia are associated with partly outdated laws and regulations, flaws of water management systems, their lack of compliance with the current and future economic development of the country, as well as the requirements of environmental safety.