The Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation approved the low-carbon development strategy for the special economic zone “Kulibin”

The Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation approved the low-carbon development strategy for the special economic zone (SEZ) “Kulibin”, located in Dzerzhinsk.

The “Kulibin” SEZ is Russia's first preferential site to implement this strategy. The corresponding agreement was signed in October 2024 within the framework of the International Forum of Special Economic Zones by the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, the Association of Clusters, Technology Parks and SEZs of Russia (AKIT), the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation and Gazprombank.

"The strategy implies the creation of sustainable infrastructure on the territory of SEZ and the stimulation of innovation by attracting "green" and socially responsible investments to the region", – said Mikhail Labudin, Director of AKIT.

In particular, the strategy envisages the application of the following measures to achieve carbon neutrality: implementation of climate projects, transition to consumption of clean and renewable energy, application of energy-saving materials, use of environmentally friendly transport, organization of a system of separate waste collection and its transfer for recycling.

The strategy was elaborated by AKIT in order to develop and replicate advanced solutions for achieving carbon neutrality.

"The Nizhny Novgorod Region is an industrial region in which it should be comfortable not only to work, but also to live. The development of SEZ with an eye on the environment imposes certain restrictions, but for us this is an important and necessary decision. The impact on the environment is a parameter that we take into account when forming plans for the infrastructure development of the territory, according to which the projects of future residents are assessed at the expert council. The approval of the strategy by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation confirms the high level of its development", – said Deputy Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Andrey Sanosyan.

The management company of the “Kulibin” SEZ is the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation.

“We pay much attention not only to the amount of investment and production volumes of our investors, but also to the environmental footprint they leave. I believe that in the future, such strategies will be widespread throughout the country, and we, being at the forefront of this activity, will be happy to share our experience with colleagues”, – said Igor Ishchenko, Director General of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Development Corporation.

The strategy is aimed at implementing the objectives of the national project “Ecology” and the federal project “Low-Carbon Development Policy”.

We remind you that the special economic zone “Kulibin” was created in May 2020. In the spring of 2023, its area was increased 10 times – to 724.7 hectares. In November 2024, an application was submitted for expansion to a site within the boundaries of the urban district of Bor with an area of ​​126 hectares. Currently, the SEZ includes state territory (more than 400 hectares), as well as private sites of DPO “Plastik”, “Oka-Polymer” and “Sintez OKA”. To date, 38 companies have passed the expert council of the “Kulibin” SEZ.

The preferential conditions of the SEZ reduce the tax rates on profit for its residents from 20% to 2% in the first 5 years from the moment of receiving profit, to 5% in the next 5 years and 14.5% thereafter, and also establish zero rates for property, land and transport taxes.