300 million tonnes

of concentrated agricultural and forest waste are produced by Russian industry each year. Refining and using this waste as energy would allow Russia to hold a respectable place in the emerging markets of biotechnology products and bioenergy.

This information comes from ‘Forecast for Russia’s Scientific and Technological Development: 2030. Biotechnologies,’ a report that was prepared by the Higher School of Economics under commission by Russia’s Ministry of Education.

The success of biochemistry and molecular biology have contributed to the rapid development of biotechnology, as have the crisis in traditional technologies (especially in the fields of environment and energy) and the need to ensure food security and preserve resource potential.

The scale of biotechnology use for the mass manufacture of products with new properties will expand significantly in the coming years. The emergence of various types of biofuels will help in diversifying the fuel mix and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.