Front Cover

Until recently, the efficiency of generation and transmission of electric power was enhanced by increasing capacities of generating units and the voltages of transmission lines. Capabilities of new energy technologies (high-technology and high-efficiency gas-turbine units of small capacity, fuel cells, energy storage systems, FACTS, etc.) change this tendency radically. In the area of electric power generation, it resulted in a new notion, dispersed generation. In the past, these tendencies for capacity increase were also characteristic of Russia, including its Asian part, Current conditions make one review many fundamental concepts. On the whole, the trend to reject construction of large thermal and hydro power plants has been observed. The use of the up-to-date, economically efficient, and ecologically clean coal-combustion technologies is envisaged, since, in East Siberia and Far East Russia, coal will make up a considerable fraction of fuel supply to power plants for the foreseeable future. Construction of gas-fired power plants is also considered. Economic conditions for growth of dispersed generation in some areas arise. Available natural resources (geothermal energy, wind, gas and hydro energy, etc.) are conducive to it. In electric networks, DC transmission lines are the only possible solution for constructing interstate ties in the region. Firm rates of development in these directions will be determined by the global tendencies and prevailing conditions.