Renewable Energy in Smart Cities: Challenges and Opportunities by the Case Study of Russia

Abstract

This study analyzes the development of renewable energy sources and factors affecting the choice of energy source. Also, we focus on the renewable energy programs implemented in the smart cities of the world and apply the prospects of its development to a Russian case study, using the method of cluster analysis. The results of the study showed that the share of renewable energy in Russian cities might reach 50% by 2050. However, the analysis demonstrates that currently, the average value is less than 26%. The results of the study show that the overall level of development of renewable sources in a particular country significantly affects the level of development of renewable energy in smart cities. Finally, the results reveal that Russian smart cities should aim at a much more intensive green energy policy to implement the fundamental principles of the global strategy of Net Zero (IEA).