Monitoring the sustainability of Russia's energy development

This article presents an assessment of Russia's energy sector, its current state and planned future direction. The analysis of Russia's energy trends is based on a set of indicators for sustainable energy development (ISED), developed under the leadership of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The article discusses Russia's Energy Strategy to 2020, and outlines major developments and challenges of the country's energy system. Russia's energy priorities, captured in the Strategy to 2020, emphasize securing a stable and uninterrupted energy supply; reducing energy intensity and improving energy efficiency; developing the domestic energy resource base; reducing negative environmental impacts; and ensuring affordable energy for the poorer segments of the population. Energy needs and challenges are discussed in relation to the three aspects of sustainability as defined in Agenda 21: economic, social and environmental. Concerns are expressed regarding environmental repercussions of energy development, in particular since Russia's 1998 economic rebound. There are also concerns, despite the economic recovery, that anticipated increases in energy tariffs may exceed the affordability of poorer segments of the population.     

Callus formation in seven species of agarophyte marine algae

Callus formation of seven species of the agarophyte marine algae Phyllophora nervosa, Gracilaria verrucosa, Furcellaria fastigiata, ceramium kondoi, Gelidium vagum, Laurencia paniculata, Rhodymenia pertusa was obtained from 1984 to 1986. A new sterile agent, chlorhexidin bigluconate, was used to get axenic explants from the algae thalli. The formation of callus from axenic explants depended on temperature of cultivation. In the case of F. fastigiata and G. vagum it occurred at 12° to 20°C, and with P. nervosa at 18° to 26°C. The exchange of sucrose with mannitol in the culture medium and the addition of some growth regulators stimulated the formation of callus. Mass formation of lumpy and warty extensions was observed in the explants from leaf blades of P. nervosa. The results might be useful for improving the aquaculture of agarophyte marine algae.