Expert discusses BRICS cooperation in energy sector

The energy research platform has proven itself to be an effective mechanism for cooperation. This was stated by Aleksey Kulapin, General Director of the Russian Energy Agency (REA) of the Russia's Ministry of Energy, in an exclusive interview at the TV BRICS studio in the Roscongress International Cooperation Area at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum ( SPIEF) 2025.

According to him, the experience of this mechanism is now being replicated in other areas of cooperation between the countries of the association. The Russian secretariat operates on the basis of the Russian Energy Agency. Research is determined annually and includes both regular and specialised work.

In the context of the Russia-BRICS concept, the key topic of the research was the formation of principles for the energy transition for the countries of the association.

"The conclusion reached by our experts, which was unanimous, is that each country has the right and must independently determine the trajectory of its energy transition based on its functional characteristics, energy structure and economy," said Aleksey Kulapin.

According to him, the BRICS countries include both exporters and importers of energy resources, so there can be no universal approach. At the same time, states must comply with international obligations and ensure the improvement of their citizens' quality of life.

The key principle approved by all BRICS countries is that the energy transition must be technologically neutral. As Kulapin noted, "the development of renewable energy sources should not be fetishised." According to Russian forecasts, their share will grow by 2050, but gas will remain the main source of energy. The share of oil and coal will decline.

photo: Evgeny Reutov / Roscongress Foundation photo bank