China Stops Russian Electricity Imports Due to Higher Prices
As of January 1, 2026, China ceased all electricity imports from Russia, including the minimum contractual obligation. This decision was primarily due to the high export prices, which exceeded domestic Chinese rates, rendering further purchases economically unfavorable. The supply contract, signed in 2012 with Russia’s Inter RAO, was slated to run until 2037 and encompassed roughly 4 billion kWh annually. While exports are unlikely to resume in 2026, the Russian Ministry of Energy has not completely ruled out a future resumption if China expresses interest.
John Q. Hosedrinker