Issue ? 49. April 2015

The Value of Arctic Hydrocarbon Resources for Russian Energy Security

Igbal A. Guliyev — Ph.D., lead researcher, International Institute of Energy Policy and Diplomacy, Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Moscow, Russian Federation.
E-mail: guliyevia@mail.ru

Valeriya I. Ruzakova — student, International Institute of Energy Policy and Diplomacy, Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Moscow, Russian Federation.
E-mail: ruz-valeriya@yandex.ru

Russia is a major exporter of oil and natural gas, and it is essential for its energy security not only to meet the domestic energy demand, but also to provide exports. The country possesses considerable arctic resources, which averages 25% of its total hydrocarbon resources, and that is why the Arctic region can significantly contribute to securing Russian energy production. However, the development of Arctic hydrocarbon deposits is a highly risky activity, demanding intensive investment and high technologies. The article classifies Russian Arctic hydrocarbon resources into two categories: continental deposits, already providing a major part of oil and gas production in the country, and offshore deposits, which are considered to have a long-term strategic potential.

Keywords

Arctic, the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, energy security, continental shelf, mineral resources base, arctic shelf, oil, gas.