Results of the Panel Discussion «Industrial and Distributed Generation – Key Directions of Russia’s Energy Modernization and Power Supply Development»

At the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center, as part of the Tatarstan Petrochemical Forum — 2025 and the "Kazan Oil, Gas & Chemistry" International Petrochemical Exhibition, a panel discussion titled "Industrial and Distributed Generation — Key Directions of Russia’s Energy Modernization and Power Supply Development" was held. The event was organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, the Association of Innovative Enterprises in the Energy Sector "EnergoInnovation" and Kazan Expo ANO.

The discussion was moderated by Mikhail Smirnov, President of the Association of Innovative Enterprises in the Energy Sector "EnergoInnovation", who outlined key challenges — from digitalization and energy efficiency to ensuring Russia’s technological sovereignty. Leading representatives of business, industry associations, and the financial sector participated in the discussion, including:
• Natalya Zakharova, Vice President of "Gazprombank" PJSC;
• Denis Zinkevich, Representative of "TSS" Group;
• Kirill Molodtsov, Member of the Public Council under the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation;
• Pavel Sarafannikov, President and Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Liquefied Natural Gas;
• Igor Turusov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of "Iskra-Neftegaz Compressor";
• Marat Farukshin, Chief Power Engineer of "Tatneft" PJSC named after V.D. Shashin;
• Anna Fedoseeva, Product Director at "Simpl Group".

Participants emphasized that under sanctions pressure and global market transformation, the importance of domestic technological solutions and reliable Russian-made equipment is increasing. Special attention was given to digitalization — implementation of digital twins, mathematical modeling, and artificial intelligence technologies to improve generation efficiency and optimize equipment operation. Experts highlighted that digital tools have become a key factor in the competitiveness of Russian solutions on the global market.

"Tatneft" PJSC named after V.D. Shashin shared its experience as one of the largest electricity consumers in the Republic of Tatarstan. Marat Farukshin noted that the company focuses on developing in-house generation, reliability, and energy efficiency of its equipment, actively invests in biotechnology and innovation, and almost completely utilizes associated petroleum gas. This practice was recognized as an example of both economic efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Kirill Molodtsov, a member of the Public Council under the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, emphasized that Russia’s energy modernization program requires a systemic approach based on both industrial and distributed generation. He pointed out that the future of the energy sector largely depends on technological sovereignty, workforce development, and the expansion of international cooperation based on equitable exchange of technologies and expertise.

From a financial perspective, Natalya Zakharova, Vice President of "Gazprombank" PJSC, noted that the modern energy sector demands new investment mechanisms, effective liquidity management, and the digitalization of banking tools for businesses.

Igor Turusov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of "Iskra-Neftegaz Compressor", focused on industrial safety and stressed that the future of distributed generation is impossible without reliable and technologically advanced equipment.

Anna Fedoseeva, Product Director at "Simpl Group", highlighted the importance of energy sector digitalization and the implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions. Digital twins, simulation systems, and artificial intelligence significantly improve generation efficiency.

Denis Zinkevich, representative of "TSS" Group, outlined market trends toward integrated solutions combining equipment supply, digital services, and engineering support.

Pavel Sarafannikov, President and Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Liquefied Natural Gas, stated that liquefied natural gas (LNG) is becoming a strategic direction for Russia. He emphasized that small-scale LNG development opens new opportunities for supplying energy to remote regions and entering international markets. Russia has strong potential in this area and can turn LNG into one of the key drivers of energy development in the coming decades.

In conclusion, the speakers agreed that the future of Russia’s energy sector relies on the development of industrial and distributed generation, active implementation of digital technologies, effective financial support, and the creation of safe infrastructure. Particular emphasis was placed on environmental priorities — associated gas utilization and LNG development were identified as vital steps toward reducing the carbon footprint and increasing the sustainability of the energy sector.