In the national economy of any state, the energy economy plays a special role. The assessment should take into account potential opportunities, and not just the current level of development. If we consider the energy situation around the world, then it can be considered relatively prosperous, since the reserves of fossil fuels are quite large.
What are the features?
The economy of the energy sectors has its own technological features that distinguish it from other sectors of economic activity. It requires a systematic approach to the study of features, from the extraction of fuel resources to the production process. As a result, a whole fuel and energy complex is formed.
Almost all industrial enterprises of sectors interact with each other and are more dependent on energy structures. Each side seeks to maximize profits. Their main task is to ensure the high-quality functioning of technological equipment with minimal energy costs to obtain competitive products.
Contradictions often arise between the parties, which are exacerbated due to insufficient elaboration of basic issues. Therefore, the problem of reorganizing the organizational structure to create a competitive environment and analyze market mechanisms is becoming increasingly important.
What acts as a product?
In the energy economy, one has to deal with a special type of product. It cannot be seen or touched. This is energy. The generated power is influenced by the consumption mode. For example, it will not be possible to produce electricity in a larger volume than is necessary at the moment. It will not be possible to store it in warehouses. You can only accumulate small volumes.
Such goods in economic activity cannot be considered incomplete. The production and transmission of electrical energy cannot be divided into two separate categories. The main characteristics of the product is quality. It must meet the points of GOST 13109-97.
Fixed assets
In the energy economy, special attention is paid to the production assets of the enterprise. They represent the means of the organizational structure, expressed in material form. Allocate fixed and current assets. Such a unit is associated with their role directly in production.
Fixed assets are involved in the process of creating wealth. They participate in the production itself or provide normal conditions for its functioning. The basic elements of any energy company are hydraulic, boiler turbine or similar equipment. Its acquisition accounts for most of the costs.
The differences between energy and industrial funds are in a more substantial ratio of power equipment and facilities. Therefore, economics and management in the energy sector require a different approach. During operation, production backgrounds over time lose their quality characteristics, that is, their cost gradually decreases. Equipment wear occurs.
Energy is one of the sectors with high growth in technological progress. In this regard, it largely depends on the depreciation of existing capacities. Of particular importance is the establishment of optimal terms of operation of technical resources. The feasibility of reconstruction and replacement should be based on the ratio of additional costs and losses.
Production cost
In the energy economy, one cannot help but run into the calculation of the cost of production. The final price is determined by monetary units taking into account not only material, but also labor costs directly on production, transportation and marketing.
The cost of production can be of four types:
- Shop. In this case, only those expenses that were spent by only one department of the enterprise are meant.
- Factory-wide. This amount consists of the costs of the workshop and overhead costs.
- A commercial. With this option, the costs associated with the manufacture and sale of products are associated.
- Industry. It is characterized by average costs in a separate area of economic activity.
The cost price reflects labor, financial and material costs, therefore this indicator plays a crucial role in analyzing the performance of a particular enterprise.
The challenges of the energy economy in Russia
The energy sector is of particular importance for the socio-economic development of the Russian Federation. The main goal is to develop the industry in the field of innovation and smooth operation. The strategy taken includes several important tasks.
- Ensuring a high level of security and reasonable demand for energy resources.
- Formation of an innovative sector within the state, characterized by maximum efficiency.
- Successful integration of the entire industry directly into the global system.
- Achieving environmental performance of the fuel and energy complex.
- Formation of a stable institutional environment in the entire Russian energy sector.
To implement the above tasks and achieve the main priorities, a scenario-situational model is used, implying an integrated approach to planning. It is based on the geopolitical and macroeconomic interests of the country, as well as the real situation in this sector.
Economics of nuclear energy
Investments in nuclear energy can only be economically justified in two cases:
- if the prices do not exceed those established with alternative production options;
- if the need is large enough so that the energy received is sold at a price significantly higher than the cost.
In the 70s. of the last century, nuclear energy was considered a promising area, as oil and coal prices rose rapidly. However, ten years later, it became clear that such reasoning is erroneous. Demand for electricity fell sharply, and the cost of traditional fuels even began to decline slightly.
Final part
For the development of the energy economy in any state, it is necessary to regularly analyze the knowledge gained and improve it, as well as set certain tasks and try to solve them in the most effective ways. Economic experience and a systematic approach to solving problems associated with energy complexes is a prerequisite.