Russia in the Age of the Energy Transition: An Impetus for the Transformation of the Russian Energy Sector?

This dissertation explores the impact of the energy transition on Russia in two steps. First, it uses a qualitative meta-analysis to explain the energy transition’s relevance to the country’s energy sector. Second, it discusses how the energy transition functions as an impetus for the transformation of Russia’s energy sector. Concerning a potential transformation, it considers the hydrogen economy as an exemplary response strategy to the energy transition and explores the drivers and obstacles for its development in Russia. For this purpose, the dissertation presents a distinct conceptual framework and applies a Political, Economic, Social and Technological (PEST) analysis. As the dissertation shows, Russia views the energy transition as a challenge to its energy sector and has begun to consider response strategies, including the hydrogen economy. Keywords: energy transition; Russia’s energy sector; carbon lock-in; stranded assets; hydrogen economy