According to Mr. Gavrilov, under the plan, real economy greenhouse emissions are to be slashed first of all. Thus, the power generation industry is to improve its fuel consumption efficiency by 8% by 2010. The natural gas industry is planned to reduce gas losses by 47 billion cubic meters by 2010. Municipal heat networks are to double the rate of renovating the old piping.
In addition, the forest reproduction rate is to be stepped up by 15-25% over the current level. Forests are the main consumers of greenhouse emissions.
Mr. Gavrilov opined that Russia would be able to sell its Kyoto Protocol quotas by late 2006 or early 2007, "though the [trade] system might be developed much sooner."
He also said that there would be a committee set up within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol by mid-2006 to monitor the signatories' compliance with the commitments made. However, the monitoring mechanism provides for no fines, Mr. Gavrilov noted.
"However, if we do not stick to our commitments, this will affect the potential quota buyers' attitude to our country," he emphasized.
Mr. Gavrilov is certain that Russia's compliance with the Kyoto Protocol will not hinder is economic growth.
"Analysis of the world practice has revealed no direct relation between environmental restrictions and the GDP growth rate," he said.
