Around 20 Russian regions may join experiment on achieving carbon neutrality - Sakhalin regional authorities

YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK. Sept 26 (Interfax) - Approximately two dozen Russian regions are ready to scale the Sakhalin region's experience in achieving carbon neutrality to varying degrees, the region's Ecology and Sustainable Development Minister Andrei Samatov said at the Far Eastern Energy Forum.

"Around 20 Russian regions, to varying degrees, have expressed interest in using and scaling the aspects that are being implemented in the Sakhalin region. We are ready for further cooperation, ready to share the experience of implementing the experiment on achieving carbon neutrality," Samatov said.

Interested regions need to start by developing regional inventories of greenhouse gas emissions and absorptions, he said.

"Because then the whole story related to the amount of emissions and the absorption capabilities of natural ecosystems becomes clear. After that, goals and horizons can be formed," he said.

This summer, the Sakhalin region fulfilled the instructions of President Vladimir Putin to achieve carbon neutrality as part of the climate experiment ahead of schedule.

"According to the results of the inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and absorptions for 2024, the Sakhalin region has become carbon neutral. The goal set within the experiment has already been achieved. Despite this, we maintain the ambitious task of maintaining this neutrality. Therefore, the experiment will continue," Samatov said.

As reported, the experiment to limit greenhouse gas emissions started in Sakhalin on September 1, 2022. Initially, it envisaged achieving carbon neutrality in the region by December 31, 2025. The Sakhalin regional authorities conducted the first assessment of the fulfillment of established quotas by 35 participating companies. The regulated organizations were required not only to submit reports on emissions but also to offset any quota exceedances if necessary.

The authorities of Yakutia reported their readiness to join the experiment in August.