Large scale integration of wind power in the Russian power supply

Russia has not considered wind power as a viable option for large-scale power generation so far, but, being more involved into the global economical framework through the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, the expected entry into the WTO, active participation in the G8, etc., the country is more exposed to the global wind power drivers, such as increasing fossil fuel prices and environmental concerns. These global drivers, combined with particular local ones, are already creating the necessary prerequisites for a massive wind power development in the Russian Federation. This thesis analyses wind power from the Russia’s perspective, estimates its wind power resources, finds out the reasons hindering its utilisation, proposes measures to eliminate main barriers, justifies the feasibility of wind power generation, analyses its impacts on the Russian power system and proposes measures to facilitate the massive integration of variable energy source and elaborates a strategy of large-scale wind power develop-ment in Russia.