Leonid Gitelman

Demand-side management for energy in the region

The article deals with a promising approach to solving the problem of investment in the regional electric power industry — the application of demand-side management, the essence of which lies in proactive interaction of energy companies with customers, based on the balance of economic interests. The features of the concept and its tools are revealed, positive results of its implementation for energy market players and the region are shown, and examples of demand-side management programs are given. Institutional and mental barriers to effective implementation of demand-side management tools in power generation are analyzed. The article also proposes algorithms for implementing demand-side management programs in the region, and a mix of motivational activities that combines methods of administrative enforcement and economic stimulus for energy companies and consumers of energy and power, as well as guidelines on project funding and effectiveness evaluation.

Energy from Biomass for Sustainable Cities

One of the major challenges of sustainable urban development is ensuring a sustainable energy supply while minimizing negative environmental impacts. The European Union Directive 2009/28/EC has set a goal of obtaining 20 percent of all energy from renewable sources by 2020. In this context, it is possible to consider the use of residues from forest maintenance, residues from livestock, the use of energy crops, the recovery of food waste, and residuals from agro-industrial activities. At the same time, it is necessary to consider the consequent environmental impact. In this paper an approach in order to evaluate the environmental compatibility has presented. The possibilities of national priorities for commissioning of power plants on biofuel and other facilities of distributed generation are discussed.

Management Consulting for Technological Modernization and Industry of the Future

The article presents the results of the authors’ study based on the hypothesis that aaddressing the multidimensional highly complex tasks of technological modernization and new industry against the background of a wave of breakthrough innovations is only possible within the framework of proactive management. Its methodological, instrumental and competence basis results from «smart» partnership of regional science, education, and business. In this case, the management N consulting of a new type, being fundamentally different from the traditional one, plays the role of the partnership coordinator. These differences are expressed in specific intellectual logistics and organizational architecture of consulting projects, close connection to universities, innovation centres and various research structures of the region as well as the high specialization, which is reached by the involvement of the virtual teams of cross-disciplinary experts in the developments, the flexible products designed on the basis of the modular principle. In this regard, the study presents a number of new scientific results proving the hypothesis. The paper substantiates the approach to the organization and methodology of consulting activities for complex, rapidly developing systems which requires expanding the range of competencies and scope of the interaction of various actors — carriers of interdisciplinary knowledge. In accordance with this approach, the authors introduce the concept of integratory consulting for advanced development that offers a package of intellectual services for addressing challenges of the future. We have developed the methodology of the integrated system of research, consultations, training and transforming action that makes it possible to generate pre-emptive actions amid crisis, risk and threats. The article has proposed and tested an organizational mechanism of cooperation between parties (science, education, business) involved in smart partnership and consulting. The mechanism employs a cutting-edge forward-looking business model that meets contemporary requirements and tasks.

Interdisciplinary approach to formation of managers' competences for innovative economy

Innovative economic development requires principally updated approach to the process of managers training, taking into account the increase in the complexity and scale of the problems that must be addressed to managers. The purpose of the work is to improve the methodological approach to the formation of the manager’s competence in the innovative economy. The paper analyzes the existing problems of managers’ education, the new paradigm of the educational process is substantiated. The need to strengthen the learning process in a multidisciplinary approach and the technical and economic training is shown. The model of manager professionalism representing interdisciplinary complex interdependent competencies is proved. Experimental testing of methods and technologies of an interdisciplinary approach to managers’ training in the organizational form of a research and educational center (REC «INZHEK», Ural Federal University) is demonstrated. Implementation of the results obtained by the authors will mainstream managers’ training in the context of real-world problems of industries modernization.

Cost Management Methods in Energy Companies

The paper looks at a comprehensive approach to cost management in the electric power sector aiming at ensuring the achievement of the sector’s strategic goals. The paper highlights a link between the implementation of strategic projects of development of the energy system aimed at building up-to-date infrastructure compliant with world standards and the appearance of a wider range of available cost management methods. The paper studies possibilities for improving cost management systems amid crisis when the lack of financial resources hampers the implementation of big projects. The paper singles out the most prospective applications of predictive analytics in cost management of energy companies.

General Concept for Preventing Energy Crises

The paper considers the aftermath of a crisis for the electric power industry and resulting economic development issues. A comprehensive approach to mitigating the consequences is suggested that includes emergency as well as strategic measures. The authors prove that the suggested minimum set of emergency measures makes it possible to avoid the most dangerous scenario. Strategic measures are outlined that improve the sustainability of the energy sector and make future crises less severe. The authors show the expediency of embracing demand-side management (DSM) and the benefits of DSM for all parties involved. The advantages of developing distributed generation at the level of the region and the level of the grid are considered, and barriers hampering small-scale power generation and ways of overcoming them are proposed.

Managing Productive Assets of Energy Companies in Periods of Crisis

The development of energy markets encourages energy companies to optimise their productive asset management process. In times of crisis, effective asset management becomes a top-priority issue for energy companies due to limited investment resources for renewal and modernisation. This study reveals the principles of productive asset management systems in energy companies. The formation of asset management systems in international energy companies is analysed. It is illustrated that the asset management process must be integrated into the energy company’s overall strategy. A schematic diagram of productive asset management in energy companies in times of crisis is suggested.

Lessons from Energy Reform: Illusions, Miscalculations, and Prospects

The authors examine factors influencing the efficiency of the electricity market: the quality of the organizational model being followed and the economic environment. They explore the gulf between theories underlying the current market model and actual economic relations shaped by the technological nature of the sector. Alternative models and management mechanisms are proposed along with concrete measures to implement them.