Improving the Efficiency of Heat Supply Systems in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation Through the Use of Wind Power Plants (The Case of the Murmansk Oblast)

Abstract

The successful development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is directly related to the reliable and efficient operation of local heat supply systems, including those with minimal anthropogenic impact on the environment. Today, the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation uses mainly imported fossil fuels for heat generation, most of which (with the exception of coal and wood in some places) are delivered from other regions of Russia, which is associated with great financial difficulties and complicated logistics of fuel delivery to consumers. On the example of Teriberka settlement, located in the Murmansk region on the coast of the Barents Sea, it is shown that one of the solutions to these problems can be the use of wind turbines for heat supply needs together with the local boiler house, operating on organic fuel. The main effect from the use of wind power plants is expressed in the reduction of the boiler house participation in covering the heating load schedule of Teriberka settlement by 7580% and, accordingly, by the same amount in saving fossil fuel consumed at the boiler house, as well as in reducing the negative impact on the natural environment.