The energy sector is the largest within the Russian economy providing more than 30% of the total industrial output and more than 50% of Russian exports. According to RA “Expert” rating of biggest Russian companies of 2008, six of ten leading companies were representing oil, gas and energy sector. These companies are the most powerful players in the Russian economy and are in the process of actively expanding their business abroad, mainly within the European countries. On the other hand, international energy companies are entering the large and prospective Russian market. Their scope of activities is new technologies, development of new oil and gas fields, industrial services, and many others.
In 2007 Russia was the 4th biggest electricity producer in the world. In 2008 the production of electricity grew by 2,1%. The management of electricity industry has changed significantly in the past few years. The functions of natural monopolies (i.e. transmission of electric energy) and potentially competitive activities (production and sales of electric energy, maintenance) were separated. Vertically integrated companies that carried out these functions were replaced with structures that specialize in separate types of these activities.
In St. Petersburg the main producer of electric energy is Leningrad nuclear power plant that belongs to the Concern “Energoatom”. The second largest electricity producing company is JSC “TGC-1” which operates 8 thermal power plants in the city. More than a half of produced electric energy is consumed by various branches of industry.
Electric energy consumption in St. Petersburg
Source: Government of St. Petersburg, Committee for Energetic and Engineering Support
