Expansion of the Fuel and Energy Balance Structure in Russia through the Development of a Closed-Loop Recycling

Abstract

The goal of the study is to propose the basis for the concept of expanding the fuel balance in Russia through the development of a closed-loop resource cycle. We propose to use the criterion of energy potential of waste to generate new data on the resource base of the fuel and energy complex at the regional level. In order to form a reliable source for replenishment of the resource potential of the fuel and energy complex through waste recovery, the basic principles of data collection are proposed and the methodology for determining the energy potential at the city level is demonstrated using municipal solid waste (MSW) in 11 Russian cities as an example. The results of the evaluation have shown that due to energy recycling, MSW can cover from 2.11% to 6.01% of the heat demand of the territory under consideration. In the study, we propose to supplement the maximum involvement of waste in the fuel and energy balance (FEB) in Russia with the criterion of optimization of the energy balance at all levels and to distinguish a separate column “energy potential of waste” in the balance structure. This approach fundamentally changes the structure of the balance and gives the grounds for revision of plans for production and transportation of traditional energy resources.