Skolkovo Partners with Russian Energy Companies

Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology signed an agreement with four energy  companies Wednesday, a move that could help speed up the modernization of Russia's power network and boost electricity exports to China.  The exact form of the agreement is undetermined, but it will likely involve an exchange of expertise and financial support for Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, or Skoltech.  New technology is particularly important for Russia's aging power distribution system, said Edward Crawley, the president of Skoltech and a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The introduction of sophisticated technologies, such as smart-grid systems that respond with more flexibility to the needs of consumers, could also help Russia ramp up its electricity exports to China, said Artyom Volynets, chief executive of billionaire Oleg Deripaska's En+ Group. "Thanks to the technology that we will develop with Skolkovo Tech," said Volynets, "we believe that in several years time you will be able to wake up in Beijing, turn on the kettle and drink wonderful Chinese tea made using electricity from [Russian] hydroelectric stations."
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/skolkovo-technology-university-partners-with-energy-firms/473012.html

The Greening of Skolkovo

Under a new deal signed last week, the Skolkovo innovation hub may pave the way for sustainable construction in Russia. The agreement between government agencies and green building trade groups provides that new construction at Skolkovo will conform to international green-construction standards, which encompass both energy-efficient building designs and green waste-processing programs. The construction agreement comes on the heels of another deal between the center and the Ministry of Regional Development to open a new urban planning school that will teach green planning techniques including rainwater management, managing transport systems without fossil-fueled vehicles, and using geothermal sources and biogas from waste processing to heat buildings.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/skolkovo-to-pilot-green-construction/444353.html

Silicon Valley Coming to North Caucasus?

The North Caucasus region of Russia hopes to rival Moscow and St. Petersburg in setting up its own version of a high-tech Silicon Valley.  The blueprint for the joint venture would establish a high-tech hub, focused on making silicon parts for solar power systems.  According to the plan, five North Caucasus federal districts would be involved in the project, each playing a role in supply and production of raw materials.  The plan hopes to take advantage of anticipated global growth in the solar energy market, with an expectation that the $1 billion project could break even in two to seven years.
http://rt.com/business/news/silicon-valley-caucasus-solar-121/