Among the innovative technological approaches in the field of biofuel production that have been recently proposed by Russian researchers, the High-Rate Heating (HRH) is worth being mentioned because it provides a possibility to reduce the energy consumption of thermophysical and thermochemical processes used in biofuel production industry, and consequently, the price of biofuels. For instance, moisture extraction from wood sawdust by the HRH enables to diminish the moisture related energy consumption by approx.

40% [10]. This technology could be applied to pellets preparation process.

Russia also has priority in the field of electric power transportation through Resonance Single Wire Transmission Systems [11]. Based on the principal of high frequency wave propagation discovered by Nikola Tesla, this method uses the ability of low-conductivity media, such as thin wires made of steel, carbon fibres, etc. or even glass fibres with thin-
film metal coating which serve as a guide for high power electromagnetic wave. Commercialisation of this technology could give a start to revolutionary changes in power transmission practice and to substantial decrease of power transportation costs, thus enhancing the accessibility of Russian biofuel resources.

Conclusion

Russia has a great biomass raw-stock potential for a large-scale production of biofuels and electric power generation on their base. Low price for plant biomass, low labour costs, far too incomplete employment in rural areas and traditionally high level of expertise in high — tech industries provide extremely favourable conditions for that. At the same time, the biofuel consumption inside the country is not expected to expand significantly within the next two decades. Besides, in present transient economic conditions, projects with relatively long payback period do not appeal to national operators, and an external investments and/or financial support or/and guarantees from the government are needed to initialise the process. With the moderate-scale investments, it would be possible to establish a regular flow of Russian energy bio-products to the EU countries.