Geographical features of the foreign electricity trade in the post-Soviet space

Abstract

In recent years, many studies on the foreign electricity trade in the post-Soviet space have been published, but they have not considered the regional specific nature of this phenomenon. The aim of this work is to identify the regional features of development and degradation of foreign trade in the post-Soviet space over the period 1990–2015. The work is carried out using comparative-geographical, historical and evolutionary, and cartographic methods. The directions of construction and dismantling of the cross-border PTLs, cross-border power transmission, and the loading level of cross-border PTLs are determined. Analysis of these parameters has shown that the general trend for the post-Soviet space has become degradation of the foreign electricity trade and the service infrastructure despite the high potential for international cooperation in this industry. The exceptions are the Baltic states, which have established integral power systems due to unification of the electricity market parameters. The imbalances associated with the closure of the Ignalina nuclear power plant and active development of wind power plants, as well as the requirements of all-European policy, have facilitated construction of cross-border PTLs in the Baltic states. Assessment of prospects has shown that, provided the solution of some foreign policy issues, it is possible to create power pool systems based on the use of electricity produced by hydroelectric power plants in eastern Central Asia and western Transcaucasia. Intensification of electricity exports to Asian countries (China, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey) is typical of many countries. The main precondition for the development of foreign trade is an imbalance between growing power consumption in some regions and the availability of cheap energy in others. Less important are fluctuations in the currency rate, foreign policy phenomena, and the policy for developing national power systems.