Kremlin-backed firm plans Russian wind turbine factory – Wind Power Monthly

Report on the Development of Domestic Wind Turbine Component Manufacturing in Russia

1.0 Project Summary

The state-controlled entity, Forward Energo, is actively seeking a contractor for the construction of a new manufacturing plant in Russia. This facility is designated to become the country’s first domestically-controlled operation for the production of wind turbine components.

2.0 Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This industrial project demonstrates a significant commitment to advancing key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The primary contributions are detailed below:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • The establishment of this factory is a foundational step towards enhancing Russia’s capacity for clean energy generation.
   • It directly supports Target 7.2 by aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix through the localization of the wind power supply chain.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • The project promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization (Target 9.2) by building a modern, specialized manufacturing facility.
   • It fosters domestic technological capabilities and innovation in the renewable energy sector, reducing reliance on foreign-supplied components and building resilient infrastructure.

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The construction and subsequent operation of the plant will create new jobs, contributing to productive employment and economic growth within the region.
   • This initiative supports economic diversification by developing a domestic green technology industry.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • By enabling the expansion of wind power, the facility will play a critical role in national climate change mitigation strategies.
   • A robust domestic supply of turbine components strengthens the country’s ability to transition away from fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   The article directly addresses this goal by discussing the construction of a factory to produce wind turbine components. Wind turbines are a key technology for generating clean, renewable energy. By establishing a domestic manufacturing capacity for these components, Russia is taking a step towards increasing its use of clean energy sources, which is the core objective of SDG 7.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   The plan to build a new factory is a clear example of industrial development. The article highlights that this will be the “country’s first Russian-controlled facility that produces wind turbine components,” which points to a focus on building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization, and fostering domestic innovation in the renewable energy sector.

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   The construction and operation of a new factory inherently create jobs and contribute to economic activity. This project supports economic growth through industrial diversification into the green technology sector, which can lead to the creation of skilled jobs and promote sustainable economic productivity.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   By investing in the infrastructure for wind energy, the project described in the article is a direct action to combat climate change. The purpose of wind turbines is to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, thereby helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. This initiative represents an integration of climate change measures into national industrial planning.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The factory’s purpose is to produce components for wind turbines, which directly contributes to increasing the capacity for renewable energy generation and thus its share in the energy mix.
• Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology. Building a domestic factory represents a significant investment in clean energy infrastructure and technology.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization. The construction of a factory for wind turbine components is an act of industrialization focused on a sustainable, green technology sector.
• Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable… with greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. This project is about creating the industrial base for a clean technology (wind power), which is essential for making the broader energy infrastructure more sustainable.
• Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development, research and innovation. The article’s emphasis on this being the “first Russian-controlled facility” directly points to an effort to support domestic technological capacity and reduce reliance on foreign technology in this sector.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation. The project contributes to economic diversification by developing a domestic manufacturing base in the renewable energy sector, a high-value and innovative industry.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The decision to build a factory for renewable energy components is a tangible example of integrating climate action into national industrial and energy strategy.

Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress

While the article does not explicitly mention any indicators, the nature of the project implies that progress could be measured using the following:

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption. The output of the factory (wind turbine components) will directly contribute to projects that increase this share.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• Indicator 9.2.1: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita. The new factory will increase the country’s manufacturing value added, particularly in the green technology sector.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employee. The development of a high-tech manufacturing facility implies a move towards higher productivity sectors. The creation of jobs is also an implied, though unstated, outcome.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: windpowermonthly.com