Energy syndrome, Soviet version. [Review]

Journal Article · Fri Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1976 · Annu. Rev. Energy; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.eg.02.110177.002323· OSTI ID:7295505

Block, H

The energy syndrome of the mid-1970s has affected the USSR as crucially as the rest of the world but in ways peculiar to its endowments, institutions, and policies. The Soviet Union is able to supply its own energy requirement and, despite dire predictions to the contrary, it is likely to remain self-sufficient. It is outranked only by the U.S. as a producer and consumer of primary energy; since 1974 it has been the world's largest producer of crude oil. But while the U.S. has developed an energy deficit since the late 1950s, the USSR, after an interlude of net imports during the Second World War and in the years immediately following the war, has again become an exporter of energy (currently 14% of its production, minus imports 10%). Nor is the USSR dependent on its outlets as are the members of OPEC, cartel or no cartel. In the unlikely event that foreign demand for Soviet energy faded away, the USSR could absorb its surplus in its own economy. The USSR's client-states, which purchase about 60% of its energy exports, are vitally interested in continuing Soviet deliveries; these shipments, in turn, contribute to Moscow's economic and political leverage in its orbit. Western countries, careful not to become dependent on Soviet supplies, can nevertheless be expected to remain or become steady customers. The review is organized under the following topics: survey of Soviet energy problems; primary energy output as a component of economic growth; coal--the mainstay of domestic economy; electricity--pivot of Communist construction; oil--output lags behind domestic and export requirements; natural gas--brighter future than for oil; and future Soviet energy problems. 6 tables, 22 references.

• OSTI ID: 7295505
• Journal Information: Annu. Rev. Energy; (United States), Journal Name: Annu. Rev. Energy; (United States) Vol. 2; ISSN AREDD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
292000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Supply
Demand & Forecasting
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
COAL INDUSTRY
COAL MINING
ECONOMIC GROWTH
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY DEMAND
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SUPPLIES
EUROPE
GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT
INDUSTRY
MINING
NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
POWER
RESERVES
RESOURCES
TRADE
USSR
WOOD