On January 8th the Russian government released a decree announcing their priorities for improving energy efficiencyUsing less energy/electricity to perform the same function. Programs designed to use electricity more efficiently - doing the same with less. in the powerUseful energy can be mechanical energy, for example powering a fan. sector. The decree states official targets for the generation of power from renewable energy sourcesRenewable energy harnesses energy that is available to us infinitely, from sources like wind or lunar energy. until 2020. The target is 4.5% from RE by 2020 excluding large hydroLarge-scale hydropower plants with a capacity greater than 10 MW., and 20% by 2020 with large hydroHydro power is electrical energy produced through the power of moving water.
Power obtained from the (typically gravitational) movement of water..

The decree follows developments in October, when a draft law was submitted to Parliament regarding “energyThe ability to perform work, mainly kinetic, potential, thermal energy, but also in forms of gravitational, sound, elastic and electromagnetic energy. efficiencyUsing less energy/electricity to perform the same function. Programs designed to use electricity more efficiently - doing the same with less. and energy savings”. The proposed new law stated that irresponsible and energy inefficient businesses would be fined. However, the draft has been criticized by many MPs, who envisage more a flexible regime as it’s an extremely difficult time for businesses due to the financial crisis and falling ruble.

Stimulating the economy seems to be a priority, as many in government feel that businesses might have difficulties meeting proposed energy efficiency standards and they would also face difficulties financing the installation of new, more efficient equipment.