Category: Russian Energy sector

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Phosagro – Phosagro – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Moscow. February 26, 2026. Denis Novikov, CEO of Apatit JSC (part of the PhosAgro Group), discussed PhosAgro's best practices in developing its own artificial intelligence infrastructure at the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs' Russian Business Week Digital Forum.

The discussion was attended by the President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) Alexander Shokhin, Co-Chair of the RSPP Coordination Council for Technological Leadership and Industrial Policy, First Deputy General Director of the non-governmental development institute Innopraktika Natalia Popova, Chair of the RSPP Electric Power Commission, General Director of RUSENERGOSBYT LLC Mikhail Andronov, Commercial Director of YADRO (part of ICS Holding) Alexander Bakulin, General Director of BASIS LLC David Martirosov, Senior Managing Director – Director of the Infrastructure Solutions Department of Sberbank PJSC Karen Karapetyan, and Director of the Federal State Autonomous Institution Digital Industrial Technologies Eduard Shantayev.

In his opening remarks, RSPP President Alexander Shokhin noted that artificial intelligence is changing the economy and social sphere faster than institutions, from education to the labor market, can adapt. He added that just five to seven years ago, it was difficult to imagine the scale of AI's penetration into the economy and everyday life.

"We're not yet fully prepared for all the challenges we're already facing and will face in the coming years. Currently, personnel needs are forecasted for seven years based on current trends, but it's truly difficult to estimate the scale of AI penetration in the future. Therefore, we need to make our personnel training system as flexible as possible to enable rapid adaptation," the RSPP president stated.

Alexander Shokhin also outlined the infrastructure constraints that are currently determining the development of AI. These include, first and foremost, the growing demand for electricity and the need to expand data center capacity. He noted the discussion about the possible shift of generation and data center infrastructure to the Urals and Siberia, noting that such decisions require consideration of technological and network limitations, as well as an economic model, as data center investments must be cost-effective and recoup their costs.

The forum was moderated by Mikhail Oseevsky, a member of the RSPP Board of Directors, co-chair of the RSPP Coordination Council on Digitalization, Chairman of the RSPP Committee on Digital Economy, and President of PJSC Rostelecom. He added that artificial intelligence is becoming one of the main consumers of electricity worldwide, so Russia also needs to consider building specialized data centers for AI and ensuring their reliable power supply. He noted that the forecasts for growing electricity demand under discussion reach tens of gigawatts. Even if some of these estimates are overstated, the scale of future needs remains extremely significant. He also noted the trend of placing AI infrastructure closer to the points of data generation and processing: "Infrastructure is gravitating toward the locations where information is generated and processed—toward megacities where large corporations are headquartered and consumers live, and this trend is likely to intensify."

Denis Novikov, CEO of Apatit JSC (part of the PhosAgro Group), discussed PhosAgro's best practices as it implements its own AI transformation strategy, actively integrating technology into key production, service, and corporate-wide business processes.

"We initially chose to build infrastructure and develop our own AI solutions. This ensures the complete security of commercial, production, and internal information, and also allows us to be independent of foreign software while accumulating our own data. This data is then used to further train large language models, making this work even more efficient," Denis Novikov emphasized.

According to the CEO, the company utilizes several AI-based technologies, including machine learning, video analytics, and generative artificial intelligence. Large language models are deployed within the company's internal IT infrastructure, including Sber's flagship domestic model, GigaChat Max. This already allows for resource savings, increased efficiency and productivity, and enhanced employee safety.

PhosAgro's computing capacity is concentrated in two of its own data centers—in Kirovsk and Cherepovets. A third data center is being built in Volkhov in collaboration with Rostelecom. A key advantage of this approach is flexibility: the modular architecture of the data centers allows for capacity expansion in line with PhosAgro's growing digital needs. Furthermore, virtually all of the company's production sites use on-site electricity, which also meets the needs of the data centers.

"Our goal is to make AI a core technology for all employees and integrate it into all business processes. We are integrating AI solutions, from predictive analytics to AI agents, into all import-substituting information systems," noted Denis Novikov. "Our company's successes are being watched with interest not only by our colleagues in the agrochemical industry but also by representatives from other sectors of the economy. I am confident that through close collaboration and partnership, which is developing at the RSPP sites and within industrial competence centers, we will be able to more quickly scale such solutions and reduce development costs."

Summing up the discussion, forum participants agreed on the need for cooperation among leading technology players to achieve synergies, as well as the formation of a constructive alliance between equipment manufacturers and software developers that will accelerate compatibility and the commercialization of digital solutions.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Phosagro – Phosagro – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Moscow. February 25, 2026. PhosAgro CEO Alexander Gilgenberg participated in the forum "Responsible Business Practices: Social Aspects of Business's Contribution to Achieving National Goals" as part of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) Russian Business Week.

Discussions included business participation in achieving national and sustainable development goals, assessing companies' contributions to addressing socially significant challenges, and various aspects of business's impact on social well-being, including through corporate social programs, technological advances, social investments in regions, assessment tools, and mechanisms to support responsible business practices.

RSPP President Alexander Shokhin opened the forum: "Business participation in addressing strategic sustainable development challenges and achieving national goals is a topic of ongoing dialogue between business and government, and one of the key issues traditionally discussed during Russian Business Weeks. Business's contribution to achieving our country's development priorities includes improving the quality and efficiency of human capital. All national goals are, to one degree or another, related to achieving this goal."

Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. She emphasized the importance of corporate support for employees. "One of the key national goals announced by the Russian President is preserving the population, improving health and well-being, and supporting families. Business participation in achieving this goal is a strategic contribution to the future of Russia and to the development of the companies themselves, as corporate support for employees helps build a sustainable, motivated workforce," the Deputy Prime Minister stated.

The forum was attended by Olga Batalina, First Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation; Maxim Topilin, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy; Andrey Shpilenko, Deputy Chairman of the Omsk Region Government; and company executives.

Olga Batalina, First Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation, emphasized how corporate social practices help employees realize their potential as parents and the high value of family for Russians.

"When we talk about implementing a corporate demographic standard, we're not talking about increasing expenses per se, but about prioritizing them. The RTK recommendations, which we consider a corporate demographic standard, are designed to help employers build a systematic approach to women who want to become mothers without worrying about their career prospects," said Olga Batalina.

Maxim Topilin, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, focused his speech on improving labor productivity. He reported that the State Duma recently passed in its first reading a bill aimed at increasing the flexibility of labor relations in the context of structural economic transformation and labor shortages.

"I believe the bill is a breakthrough. It allows employers and employees to approach labor relations more flexibly and make greater use of electronic personnel document management," said Maxim Topilin.

Deputy Chairman of the Omsk Region Government Andrey Shpilenko called sustainable development a factor in increasing the investment attractiveness of business.

"Today, being a socially responsible company is no longer just a voluntary initiative, but a new paradigm for doing business. The Business Social Capital Standard sets clear and transparent benchmarks, allowing us to identify and support those who invest in what matters most: people, the environment, and the development of their territories, not just in words. For businesses, this means new opportunities and additional support tools. For the region, it means a stronger reputation, social stability, and investment attraction, as a transparent evaluation system will increase investor confidence in projects implemented in our region," said Andrey Shpilenko.

Representatives of major companies—PhosAgro CEO Alexander Gilgenberg, Delo Group CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors Sergey Shishkarev, OMK President Natalia Eremina, and Metalloinvest Deputy CEO for Sustainable Development Yulia Mazanova—emphasized caring for their workforces and residents in the regions where they operate as an absolute priority of the corporate social policy of responsible companies. This is the foundation upon which high production performance is achieved, new high-tech jobs are created, and innovation is developed. They shared practical experiences of responsible business practices, taking into account socio-demographic priorities and maintaining public health.

In particular, PhosAgro CEO Alexander Gilgenberg presented the company's experience with social programs, which were recognized as winners of the "Responsible Business Leaders" award for 2023 and 2024.

For 25 years now—since PhosAgro's founding in 2001—caring for our workforce and all residents of the regions where we operate has been our absolute priority. It is on this foundation that we set production records every year, create new capacities, develop innovations, and increase tax revenues. For two years in a row, PhosAgro has allocated a record 14 billion rubles to social and charitable projects. We support the government's extensive efforts to raise physically and spiritually healthy youth through the "Children of Russia – Education, Health, and Spirituality" (DROZD) project, train professional personnel starting from school, create a comfortable urban environment, and develop local healthcare systems. PhosAgro's dedicated corporate program is a key contributor to our national goals aimed at supporting families. It includes financial assistance for employee families, a company-wide housing program, children's and family recreation and leisure activities, the creation of conditions for sports, voluntary health insurance programs, and wellness programs. All of this is spelled out in the collective agreements in effect at all of the Group's enterprises, which experts have recognized as the best in the industry," emphasized Alexander Gilgenberg.

Ksenia Tagirova, Deputy Director of the Development and International Business Unit and Director of Medicine at Rosatom State Corporation; Yuri Udalov, General Director of the A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center; and Dmitry Kolchugin, Executive Director of External Communications at AFK Sistema, discussed their breakthrough projects, technological and digital innovations, responsible investment tools, and their impact on social aspects of society and environmental issues.

Vladimir Gusakov, CEO of the Analytical Credit Rating Agency (ACRA), Vladimir Lukin, Partner in the Operational Risk and Sustainable Development Group at KEPT, and Irina Bakhtina, Deputy CEO for Sustainable Development at EN, discussed tools for assessing a business's contribution to national development goals, the results of company assessment studies, including those taking into account sustainable development factors, experience with their application and practical use, and development trends in this area.

At the conclusion of the forum, it was noted that developing dialogue and strengthening trust between business, government, and society remains key to the effectiveness of joint efforts in the interests of sustainable socioeconomic development and the achievement of national goals.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Phosagro – Phosagro – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Moscow. On February 19, 2026, PhosAgro presented a seamless training system for its enterprises at the "Personnel of the Future: Interaction between Business and Government" forum, which was held as part of Russian Business Week.

Russian Business Week is the key annual event of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), where proposals on current areas of government-business cooperation are developed and discussed. It's fitting that this year's week opened with a forum dedicated to one of the key challenges facing the modern Russian economy: ensuring human resource sovereignty.

The discussion was attended by the President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) Alexander Shokhin, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation Anton Kotyakov, the Chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia Sergey Chernogaev, and the Chairman of the Committee on Labor, Social Policy and Veterans' Affairs of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Yaroslav Nilov.

The forum was moderated by RSPP Vice President Viktor Cherepov and RSPP Vice President Fyodor Prokopov. Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova addressed the forum participants via video message.

Opening the forum, Alexander Shokhin presented the results of the traditional survey of NRB participants, which showed that in 2025, labor shortages continued to top the list of the most pressing problems facing Russian business. This shortage was observed in more than two-thirds of the companies participating in the survey.

The RSPP President also noted that he sees increasing the flexibility and adaptability of the training system as one solution to the personnel problem. Employers play a key role in this process.

"Today, companies make a significant contribution to training personnel for the economy: they participate in the creation and updating of educational programs, offer students internships and internships, provide production facilities for educational institutions, and implement mentoring programs," Shokhin said. Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova emphasized in her video address that issues of personnel sovereignty are relevant for both the state and business. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly emphasized that personnel issues are fundamental to the development of our country and the achievement of national goals.

She emphasized that by 2030, it is necessary to establish an effective system for training, retraining, and professional development for personnel in priority sectors based on demand forecasts. To achieve this, it is essential to strengthen the relationship between employers and educational institutions and enhance the prestige of in-demand professions.

"On January 1, 2025, at the initiative of the head of state, the national project 'Personnel' was launched. It is based on a seven-year workforce forecast. The forecast is based on industry and regional perspectives and includes not only new jobs but also replacements. By 2032, the economy will need to employ approximately 12 million people," the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

Russian Minister of Labor and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov reported that employers have actively participated in the development of the seven-year forecast.

"We are currently experiencing significant demand for new personnel training, and without synchronizing our training system with the active participation of employers, this task will be quite difficult to achieve," Kotyakov stated. He also emphasized the need to develop a long-term HR policy at every enterprise and emphasized the importance of early career guidance for schoolchildren and graduates.

In this context, the presentation by Dmitry Borodich, PhosAgro's Director of Human Resources and Social Policy, was of particular interest to the forum participants. He shared his successful practical experience in training and supporting specialists for the Group's companies, from career guidance in schools, through college and university training, to employment.

"To develop talent for the future, we need to start working on it now. PhosAgro has always been long-term oriented, including in terms of talent development. That's why, back in 2013, we began developing an educational model aimed at cultivating young, talented specialists, right from the school bench."

"Throughout our work, we concluded that seamless training lies not only in engaging with each level of education, but in transforming it all into a seamless career path. "When a student we've been working with since grades 8-9 stays in our orbit throughout college and university, and then joins the company as a young professional, this allows us to develop those very competent, motivated engineers and innovators who are the future of Russian industry," noted Dmitry Borodich.

Today, 6,000 students at six PhosAgro Schools located in the company's cities are studying advanced programs in mathematics, computer science, physics, and chemistry. They then enroll in PhosAgro-sponsored colleges, which have become increasingly popular among applicants over the years of collaboration. They offer a comfortable learning environment, opportunities for sports, and a seamless integration of theory and practical training, with 70% of practical classes taking place at PhosAgro facilities. Graduates who choose higher education have the opportunity to enroll in one of PhosAgro's 20 partner universities, including those in targeted programs.

Over 12 years, PhosAgro has invested over 14 billion rubles in the formation and development of its corporate educational model and support for schools, colleges, and technical schools. As a result, the company has employed over 4,000 graduates from partner educational institutions—2,800 from colleges and over 1,200 from leading Russian universities.

In 2025, PhosAgro began implementing one of its key educational projects in the Arctic Circle: the creation of a nationally advanced higher education school for mining engineers in Apatity, in partnership with Murmansk Arctic University and regional authorities. The company has begun work on a unique underground training facility at the Apatit Mining and Processing Plant, where over 500 students will undertake internships annually. Approximately 3 billion rubles will be allocated to the development program for the Apatity branch of the Murmansk Arctic University.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.