ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates Russia's potential as a producer and exporter of bio energy and ponder whether bio energy could become Russia's tool in enhancing political aims central for Russia in relation to Europe. Geographers have argued that the non-territorial and point-like nature of hydrocarbon production is a major cause of several shortcomings in social and environmental responsibility prevailing in energy producer states. The Energy Strategy up to 2030 (ES-2030) formulated by the Russian government in 2009 states that by 2020 the domestic use of renewable energy would cover about five per cent of the electricity production. The practices of Gazprom take their toll in those regional and local contexts where renewable energies could otherwise form the basis of an economically viable and environmentally sustainable energy system. Russian bio energy production and trade with the EU has the potential to combine several wins, if so desired.
