The gives modern comprehension of the role of the energy factor during the frontier modernization of the Ural-Siberian region, one of the leading industrial enclaves of the Asian part of the Russian Empire, on the eve of its collapse. In the XVIII century using water engines this region advanced the country to the forefront in the supply of non-ferrous and ferrous metals in the world market. In the late 19th century, however, in the Urals in particular, it lagged far behind in the use of steam engines, which negatively affected the economic potential of the empire, while the Western world was actively using electric motors. In this context, the issue of the essence and significance of Russian electrification is considered taking into account the diverse opinions of researchers, some of whom downplay while the others overestimate its significance. These debates are mainly based on the materials of the central regions of the state and in comparison with the Western world; though, it is necessary to take into account the size of Russia and specific features of its periphery. The author attempted to answer the question about the extent of electrification process based on the Ural-Siberian data. The author paid his attention to first power plants, their characteristics and status, importance for the economy and culture of the region. They emerged practically at the same time when the center of the country began to develop, and were soon found on the territories up to the shores of the Pacific Ocean; but they did not have enough energy power and decisive influence on the economy of the region, although they proved to be a kind of launchpad for the countrywide electrification in the 20th century. The problem under study is of particular relevance in connection with the 100th anniversary of the GOELRO plan celebrated in 2020.

Alekseev Veniamin Vasilievich, Doctor of Sciences (History), Professor, Academician of the RAS, Chief Researcher, Institute of History and Archeology UB RAS, 16, Sophia Kovalevskaya st., Ekaterinburg, 620108, Russian Federation, e-mail: veniaminalekseev7@mail.ru

Alekseev V.V. First Power Plants in the Ural-Siberian Region (on the Occasion of the 100^th Anniversary of the GOELRO Plan). The Bulletin of Irkutsk State University. Series Political Science and Religion Studies, 2020, vol. 33, pp. 87–100. https://doi.org/10.26516/2073-3380.2020.33.87 (in Russian)

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