ИСТИНА

Many countries and regions, including Sweden, Denmark, France, individual states in the USA, China and Mexico have already issued statements on the transfer of some territories to carbon-free or low-carbon development. Initiation and development of the carbon-free zone in Siberia became also one of the actively discussed issues in Russia. Moreover, there are industrial companies located in Siberia that made the path to zero carbon emissions the essential part of their strategy. However carbon-free zone in Siberia is still under the question in Russia and requires further investigations. The objective of this paper is to assess the perspectives and challenges of carbon neutral territories with a special focus on Siberia in Russia. The research contains analysis of the current energy system in Siberia and assessment of its carbon-neutrality potential, including renewable energy sources development opportunities. Evaluation of business perspectives in carbon-neutral regions is based on experience of the leading energy and manufacturing companies in the region and interviews with their managers. The research results demonstrate that though carbon neutral territories cause risks to some industries, they offer significant competitive advantages for many producers and investors, open the way for the new industries and cause sustainable development of the whole region. The results of the research also show that Siberia has significant potential of carbon neutral development, though it requires changes in the energy balance of the region and new approaches to the assessment of the electricity cost. One of the most important issues covered by the study is discussion of the possible ways to integrate the efforts of the energy sector, manufacturing companies, other carbon intensive market participants and society for the joint aim of carbon neutrality. The role of the public policy in carbon neutral territories development is also questioned in the research.