Energy Zones for Artificial Intelligence Set to Emerge in Russia
Officials and industry groups are discussing special energy regimes to support the expansion of data centers powering AI systems.
Special energy zones designed to accelerate artificial intelligence development could be established in Russia. The proposal is being discussed by industry associations together with AI companies and the Ministry of Energy, according to the newspaper Vedomosti.
Within these zones, data centers used to train and operate neural networks could receive a dedicated power supply regime. Grid operators would be required to meet fixed timelines for technological connection, and a unified electricity transmission tariff would be introduced.
Participants are also considering establishing specialized guaranteed electricity suppliers that would operate exclusively within the zones. Funding would come from federal or regional budgets.
New Projects Head to Energy-Rich Regions
Modern data centers consume large amounts of electricity, and about 76 percent of Russia’s data centers are currently concentrated in Moscow. Experts therefore argue that new projects should be relocated to energy-surplus regions.
Siberia, the Far East, and parts of the Volga region and the Urals are viewed as the most promising locations. Their cold climate could help lower server cooling costs, adding another economic advantage.
Earlier reports said that Perm plans to build what would be the largest data center in Europe in the coming years. According to iKS-Consulting, nearly 200 data centers are operating in Russia as of 2025.
