A grand celebration of the fuel and energy
sector, the ‘National Achievements Forum: Energy Sector’ took place on 20
February at the International RUSSIA EXPO. As part of the business programme,
prominent industry representatives discussed the current and future state of
the energy industry. Additionally, guests and participants of the special
themed day had the opportunity to engage in educational, sporting, cultural,
and gastronomic events, all culminating in an exhilarating concert programme.
The Forum commenced with the main event of
the business programme, the plenary session titled “Leadership and
Sustainability in the Russian Energy Sector”. The session featured notable
figures including Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian
Federation; Natalya Komarova, Governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area –
Yugra; Dmitry Artyukhov, Governor of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area; Mikhail
Kotyukov, Governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory; Andrei Chibis, Governor of
Murmansk Region; Sergei Tsivilev, Governor of Kemerovo Region – Kuzbass; and
Vasily Golubev, Governor of Rostov Region. Sergey Brilev, President of the
Global Energy Association, served as the moderator for the discussion.
“In
recent years, the energy industry has made significant strides in all
directions. Since 2000, oil production has increased by more than 65% to 530
million tonnes. Today, Russia ranks 6th in the world in coal production and is
among the top three exporters with a market share of almost 15%. The country
boasts more than 1,000 power plants and almost 1.5 million heat and power
specialists. Over the last decade, Russia has ascended from 184th to 7th place
in the international ranking for ‘connection to power grids’. To meet the
escalating demand for electricity, approximately 4 GW of new generating
capacity will be commissioned in Russia by 2030,” Alexander
Novak said in his speech.
“Our
country is the world leader in natural gas reserves, which account for about 25 per cent
of the global energy balance and 54 per cent of Russia’s fuel and energy
balance. The President has set a task to increase LNG production to 100 million
tonnes by 2030. This will allow us to capture up to 20 per cent of the global
market.”
The business programme of the ‘National
Achievements Forum: Energy Sector’ continued with expert discussions entitled ‘
The Forum convened a meeting with veterans
and dynasties of the energy sector. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak,
General Director of Roscosmos State Corporation Yury Borisov, heads of Russian
regions, and industry company representatives engaged in discussions with
esteemed energy professionals on generational succession within enterprises and
the transfer of accrued expertise to emerging specialists. Veterans of the
energy sector recounted their professional journeys and imparted their wisdom
to future generations, underscoring their role as guardians of Russia’s fuel
and energy sector.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak,
Governor of Murmansk Region Andrei Chibis and Governor of Krasnoyarsk Territory
Mikhail Kotyukov took part in a meeting with students in the ‘Dialogue as
Equals’ format, during which the heads of regions spoke about the
attractiveness of their regions in building a career.
“We
have a project called ‘Course North’ aimed at attracting specialists to our
region. We are actively looking for specialists and we pay extra to those who
work for us if they help convince their mates and acquaintances to come to us
as well. Last year, for the first time since 1991, more people relocated to our
region than left. The conditions in our region are good. Yesterday I met with
employees of Atomflot, and the average salary there is 212,000 rubles. The
average salary in the regional economy is close to 100,000 rubles,” said Andrei Chibis.
In his speech, Mikhail Kotyukov noted the
uniqueness of the Krasnoyarsk Territory in terms of energy: “We have hydropower, thermal power, the
richest coal deposits, and centres of competence in nuclear technologies. One
of our closed municipalities was fully supplied with heat and electricity
through an experimental nuclear reactor. So, we have experience. Now we are
working on the creation of a virtually new industry where nuclear fuel will
operate in a closed-cycle mode.”
One of the focal points of the themed day
was the ATOM pavilion, where guests had the opportunity to participate in
unique tours and masterclasses, attend interesting lectures, and even witness a
special wedding ceremony. For the first time at the RUSSIA EXPO, 16 couples got
married simultaneously. All the newlyweds were nuclear industry workers from
various cities across Russia. Among them were representatives from nuclear
cities such as Snezhinsk, Udomlya, Desnogorsk, Trekhgorny, Novouralsk, and
Krasnokamensk. The ceremony, held in the pavilion lobby, also included
newlyweds who are working together to build the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in
Turkey. The newlyweds were congratulated by Andrey Petrov, First Deputy Director
General for Nuclear Power Engineering of Rosatom State Corporation; Vladimir
Verkhovtsev, Director General of Atomredmetzoloto; and Anastasia Zvyagina, RUSSIA
EXPO Deputy Director General of the Directorate of the Exhibition of
Achievements.
Throughout the themed day, Forum visitors
had the opportunity to participate in the ‘Build a Career in the Energy
Industry’ job fair. Applicants and students could visit the booths of Unigreen
Energy, Rosseti, LUKOIL, Mosenergo, RusHydro, and SIBUR Holding, where they
could fill out questionnaires to join the talent pool, take part in career
games and contests, and have the chance to win valuable prizes. Additionally,
guests could experience various masterclasses, quizzes, quests, and
intellectual games on energy topics suitable for different ages and skill
levels.
A master class on virtual welding by
MOSGAZ welders, winners of the World Championship in China, was a tremendous
success. The victorious champions shared insights into their craft and invited
exhibition guests to try their hand at welding on unique equipment designed to
efficiently and safely train aspiring welders. Alexander Novak personally
participated in the event, demonstrating angle seam welding on a virtual sample
and engaging in discussions with the champion welders. The world championship
winners presented the Deputy Prime Minister with a souvenir crafted through
various welding techniques – a model gas lantern, symbolizing the historical
significance of the gas sector in Moscow.
Additionally, at the Museum of Moscow
Urban Economy, employees from MOSGAZ hosted a puzzle-collecting marathon,
conducted a master class on decorating helmets, and led thematic tours of the
Gas Supply exposition for guests. Furthermore, the winners of the nationwide
festival ‘MOSGAZ Lights up the Stars’, organized annually by Moscow gas workers
for the past 12 years, participated in a celebratory concert.
For those who only encounter energy in
their everyday lives, companies in the fuel and energy sector prepared an
impressive sports programme. This included corporate table tennis and football
tournaments, basketball masterclasses for children, a racing simulator
tournament featuring a representative from the LADA SPORT Rosneft racing team,
and much more. Football fans were particularly fortunate on 20 February, as
they could enjoy matches, autograph sessions, masterclasses, and prize draws
involving stars of Spartak, CSKA, and Zenit. In Pavilion 25, titled Oil, fans
of the Red and Whites had the opportunity to get autographs from Spartak Moscow
legends as part of a joint event called Energy of Unification, organized by
LUKOIL and the Moscow football club. The event was attended by legendary
players such as Dmitry Alenichev, a four-time Russian champion, two-time winner
of the Russian Cup, and best footballer of Russia in 1997, and UEFA Champions
League winner, as well as Yegor Titov, a six-time Russian champion and winner
of the Russian Cup, alongside Alexander Filimonov, the best goalkeeper of
Russia in 1998 and world champion in beach football.
The ‘National Achievements Forum: Energy
Sector’ programme concluded with a concert featuring Russian pop stars such as
Polina Gagarina, Nyusha, Mari Kraimbrery, Seville (Artik & Asti), Uma2rman,
Quattro, and other well-known performers. The event, hosted by sports
commentator Dmitry Guberniev and TV presenter Karina Kross, also included a
raffle of valuable prizes from industry companies, with winners announced
during the show. Prizes included tickets to matches of football clubs Spartak,
CSKA, and Zenit.
During the day, visitors and participants
of the Forum were treated to dishes from the national cuisines of the peoples
of Russia.
Organizers of the ‘National Achievements
Forum: Energy Sector’ are the Government of the Russian Federation, the
Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, and the RUSSIA EXPO Directorate
of the Exhibition of Achievements. The operator was the Roscongress Foundation.
General partners – Rosseti, Atom Foundation
supported by Rosatom State Corporation
Strategic partners – Gazprom Neft,
Independent Oil and Gas Company, SIBUR
Official partners – Inter RAO,
Zarubezhneft, T Plus, Bank GPB
Partner – VO Promsyryeimport
Business partners – Russian Power System
Operator, Unigreen Energy
Organization partners – CPC-R, Elgaugol,
MMC Norilsk Nickel, Power Machines, Systeme Electric, Rosgeo.
