Presidential Aide Arkady Dvorkovich: Several decisions were made at the meeting of the Commission for Modernisation and Technological Development of Russia's Economy and the Presidium of the Presidential Council for Science, Technology and Education.
First, six projects in energy efficiency have been approved.
One is a project to install instrument gages that will allow people concerned with energy saving to pay less than people who are not.
Another project, called “New Light”, involves replacing old light bulbs and lighting systems with energy efficient ones in private houses and at industrial, business, and office facilities.
The third project, called “Energy Efficient Neighbourhood”, involves modernising entire city districts and towns, and then replicating this experiment throughout the nation.
The fourth project concerns energy efficient technologies at public and government facilities, first and foremost in clinics, schools, and hospitals.
The fifth project is called “Integrated Small-Scale Power Generation”. This project involves replacing inefficient old heating technologies with small new plants that use combustion turbines. This technology is much in demand and certain progress has been made here already.
And finally, the sixth project aims to promote innovative, breakthrough technologies based on the use of superconductors and biofuel, as well as the development of solar and hydrogen energy.
There will also be federal and regional contests with the goal of seeking out leaders in these fields and expanding best practices. Furthermore, as part of the draft law on energy efficiency, multiple resolutions will be passed to encourage businesses and people to embrace energy efficient technologies, and to facilitate the development of market of relevant services. In the next three to four years, we must create conditions that will make application of new technologies profitable and in which it will be economically advantageous to consume only as much energy as is necessary to live comfortably or, in the case of businesses, to offer high quality products and services.
Finally, we will soon be running an awareness campaign explaining the steps by the federal and regional authorities in order for people to have a sense and understanding of what is actually effective and what should be taken into consideration. The campaign will show that energy efficiency really is advantageous and does not lead to lower living standards; on the contrary, it improves the quality of life and labour efficiency thus allowing a higher salary growth rate.
Question: What kind of funding is planned for this awareness campaign?
And another question, regarding the instructions given at the State Council, which have a December 1, 2009 deadline. Are there currently any intermediate results? Is there a chance that all of these instructions really will be carried out by December 1?
Arkady Dvorkovich: Most of the funding will go toward implementing metering technologies. We will also encourage replacement of lighting fixtures. The funding will primarily be extended as loans. Furthermore, we will also fund applied research and the manufacture of breakthrough products.
The awareness campaign will take up only a small portion of the respective government funds – no more than ten million rubles. This is not a lot of money compared to overall spending on promoting energy efficiency.
As for the deadlines for enactment of relevant statutes, the law is expected to be approved during the fall parliamentary session. By the time it is passed and published, all the bylaws required for its enactment on January 1, 2010, must be ready. There are several dozen such bylaws. Other regulations will be passed throughout 2010.
Question: During the meeting, were you able to resolve the disagreements existing within the Government about advancing the draft law to the State Duma?
Arkady Dvorkovich: Of the six or seven comments made by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, two were immediately clarified. I think that we can consider them resolved. As for the other objections, all disagreements should be settled within a week, for us to be able to report to the President on the draft law being ready for its second reading [in the State Duma].
Question: When will it be passed?
Arkady Dvorkovich: It will be passed during the fall session of the State Duma. The second reading should certainly take place in October.
Question: A discussion was underway suggesting the law should contain the requirement for implementation of imported energy efficient light bulbs. There have also been discussions on creating joint companies to produce such light bulbs, for a long time now. Has this matter been addressed in any way?
Arkady Dvorkovich: In his speech, Economic Development Minister outlined the importance of encouraging manufacture of energy efficient light bulbs in Russia, including through partnerships with foreign companies that already have practice in this field, although Russia has experience as well. I think that we will be able to launch such production within the timetable set up for replacing inefficient light bulbs.