Impact of renewable energy on the condition of water resources in southern Russian regions

Aim. The work aimed to analyze of the impact of renewable energy sector development on the condition of water resources in the region. Objectives. The work seeks to characterize the renewable energy development in Russian regions; analyze the main indicators of renewable energy generation development in southern Russian regions; reveal the relationship between the volume of electricity generation by renewable energy facilities and indicators of the condition of water resources using the example of southern Russian regions. Methods. A correlation analysis of time series was performed using data on the Southern and North Caucasian Federal Districts for 2016–2023, for the purpose of testing the hypothesis suggested about the impact of renewable energy on the condition of water resources in the region. Results . Based on the analysis results, significant and moderate correlations were revealed between the volumes of all types of energy production and the condition of water resources in most regions. The relationship between the indicators is insignificant only in regions with an insignificant share of renewable sources in the energy balance. In regions where solar and wind energy are developing, the consumption of fresh water, fish catch, and extraction of aquatic bioresources decrease. However, the dependence of small hydropower generation and indicators of the condition of water resources in different regions demonstrates both an inverse and a direct relationship which is most pronounced in regions with a high level of fish farming development. Conclusions. Despite some inconsistency in the analysis results obtained, it can be concluded that they confirm the existence of a relationship between the development of renewable energy and the condition of water resources. In order to ensure the sustainable development of water and energy systems, when justifying the choice of a project for the deployment of renewable energy facilities, it is important to assess comprehensively its potential impact on local ecosystems.