The use of renewable energy sources as a factor of sustainable development of the mountainous territories of Russia

Introduction. In the context of the current system of support for the course on carbon neutrality, the relevance and expediency of using renewable energy sources in Russia is substantiated and it is determined that the potential for the development of renewable energy sources in the mountainous territories of Russia is significant. Methods and materials. The objectives of sustainable development of mountain territories in the context of the use of renewable energy sources are defined, differentiated in terms of economic, environmental and social character, as well as depending on the degree of development of the territory. The results. A system of factors influencing the development and use of renewable energy sources in the mountainous territories of Russia has been formed, taking into account the influence of the external environment, as well as internal factors that reveal the characteristics of these territories. A methodological approach has been developed to determine the feasibility of developing and using renewable energy sources in mountainous areas, taking into account the influence of these factors. Discussion. The proposed author’s approach, in addition to the traditional economic efficiency of the introduction of renewable energy sources, involves determining the feasibility of their use in terms of current indicators of energy supply of the territory, the degree of its accessibility, development and environmental pollution of the territory. Conclusion. For the sustainable development of mountain territories, the use of renewable energy sources is important in view of the territorial and logistical specifics of mountain territories, and also has a high potential for development due to natural and climatic conditions, in connection with which the proposed author’s approach seems promising.