The use of peat for energy production was prominent in the Soviet Union, especially in 1965. In 1929, over 40% of the Soviet Union’s electric energy came from peat, which dropped to 1% by 1980. In the 1960s, larger sections of swamps and bogs in Western Russia were drained for agricultural and mining purposes. Plans are underway to increase peat output and increase peat’s contribution to Russian energy generation.
Currently, Russia is responsible for 17% of the world’s peat production, and 20% of that peat (1.5 million tons) is used for energy purposes. Shatura Power Station in Moscow Oblast and Kirov Power Station in Kirov Oblast are the two largest peat power stations in the world.
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The stunning photos of an abandoned Peat Mining Field in Russia were taken by Voldema. Voldema is a traveler, who shares his stories with followers.
If you’d like to see more abandoned places in ex-USSR countries or discover Soviet history, then check out our articles on the History of Abandoned Ordzhonikidze Sanatorium in Sochi and The Legacy Of The USSR: Soviet mosaics, sgraffito, and vintage bas-reliefs
