Fuel oil supply dependence in northern region: specifics of the problem and its prospective solutions on the example of the Murmansk oblast

This article is devoted to the study of the issue concerning the Murmansk Oblast territorial infrastructure dependence on fuel oil used for heating. The current status of the regional fuel and energy complex is revealed. It is designated that the problem of fuel oil supply of Russia’s northern region remains one of the most topical due to its socio-economic components. Opportunities and main directions of implementation of the energy sector development programs at the municipal level using the case study of urban districts in Murmansk Oblast northern area are considered. Existing projects for fueling housing and utilities enterprises with alternative energy sources are considered, as well as conditions that will promote the formation of the necessary infrastructure in the region. The volume of coal for oil fuel replacement at cogeneration plants in cities of Murmansk Oblast - Monchegorsk, Zapolyarny and Nikel - is calculated. Besides, the fuel delivery costs per year are estimated. It is established that in the short term implementation of plans concerning municipal objects of centralized heat supply to deploy across Murmansk Oblast territory is hardly probable. At the same time, examples of the successful implementation of projects in the areas of energy saving and territorial fuel mix optimizing in the North of European Russia are presented. The experience and achieved results of introducing advanced energy efficiency technologies in the Murmansk, Arhangelsk and Vologda oblasts and in the Komi Republic are described. Basic trends in territorial energy infrastructure formation are considered. The data and analytical materials that are offered analyze experience in practical solution of the problem in the Murmansk Oblast. The work attempts to generalize the experience of federal and regional authorities in the Murmansk Oblast to overcome the consequences of “mazut crises”. The research information is based on analytical materials of the regional and municipal authorities of the Murmansk Oblast. In addition, data presented in the electronic mass media is used. The paper is addressed to economists, specialists of local and regional authorities, representatives of power generation enterprises, and to those interested in the range of problems of fuel-and-energy development in the Russian North and Arctic.