Edward Elgar Publishing Environment and Technology in the Former USSR: The Case of Acid Rain and Power Generation (New Horizons in Environmental Economics series)

Environment and Technology in the Former USSR makes a major contribution to the literature, providing new perspectives on power engineering, power generation and associated environmental issues of atmospheric pollution in the former Soviet Union. It considers the consequences of acid rain emissions for neighbouring countries and the technological and commercial factors which influence these levels of pollution. The book begins by providing a contextual and technical background on the capacities, ages, scale of atmospheric pollution and fuel mix of the power generation industry in the former USSR. After establishing the industrial and technical facts using a wide range of Western and Russian literature and placing these in an international context, the author explores possible policy solutions for reducing acid rain emissions and improving power generation efficiency. The main policy prescription considered is the use of technology transfer from the West to the former Soviet Union. Using published data and case study research, the author evaluates the volume and rate of technology transfer, and the current stage of those engaged in, or potential recipients of, Western power engineering technologies. The analysis then extends to consider the political, economic and commercial factors affecting these levels of technological diffusion and future technological developments in the industry. This book will be of special interest to government officials, international agencies, academics and technical and commercial personnel with business interests in Russia.