Russia Proposes ‘Technological Choice’ as Most Realistic Energy Transition Path for BRICS
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Russia‘s Agency for Energy Affairs, under the Ministry of Energy, has identified a “technological choice” scenario as the most realistic pathway for energy transition among BRICS countries. Alexey Kulapin, head of the agency, outlined three future energy scenarios developed in 2024: “business as usual,” “rational technological choice,” and “net-zero carbon.” He asserted that the “rational technological choice” is the most logical option, envisioning a future where hydrocarbons remain the primary energy source while the share of renewables also expands, facilitating the achievement of carbon neutrality.
Kulapin stated that Russia’s agency estimates achieving global carbon neutrality by 2050 is infeasible due to the required annual investment of $7 to $8 trillion and reliance on technologies still in experimental stages. He also highlighted the varying climate neutrality goals of BRICS members: Brazil and South Africa aim for 2050, Russia and China for 2060, while Iran and Egypt are targeting 2100 in line with the Paris Agreement.
All BRICS members support the concept of a “just energy transition,” which Kulapin described as technology-neutral, allowing each country to select appropriate technologies based on its specific conditions to meet climate objectives. This approach was endorsed at the BRICS Energy Ministers’ meeting in 2024. He stressed the importance of transitional fuels like natural gas and biofuels, alongside other low- or zero-carbon technologies, within this framework, advocating for equal access to these technologies for all nations.
Furthermore, Kulapin announced ongoing joint investment projects among BRICS members. Russia has collaborated with India and China in recent years on developing energy transmission infrastructure, constructing nuclear power plants, and expanding other clean energy sources. Russia is also developing voluntary standards for oil extraction, refining, and petrochemical industries, inviting BRICS countries to adopt them, with over 40 joint documents approved with the United Arab Emirates in this regard.
The “BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform,” initiated by Russia in 2019, is headquartered at the Russian Agency for Energy Affairs. With over 100 experts, researchers, and academics involved, the platform publishes annual reports on the energy sector status in various countries and specialized studies. Russia is responsible for technological cooperation and human resource development within this platform, having published its first specialized report on energy human resources in 2023. Kulapin also mentioned the activities of the BRICS Energy Youth Agency, including engineering competitions initiated by Russia, and the program for developing women’s leadership in the energy sector, launched by South Africa with Russia’s support.
