This paper presents results from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)-coordinated project, "Reducing Mercury Emissions from Coal Combustion in the Energy Sector", implemented in the Russian Federation in 2009-2010. A profile of the coal-fired power sector of the Russian Federation, which includes some 120 power plants, is provided and analyzed. Information on consumption and main characteristics of coals from major and minor coal basins burnt for energy generation is presented. The paper also demonstrates results of model and experimental mercury emission factor development for selected high-installed capacity power plants of 1.9 and 3.8 GW located in the European and Asian parts of the Russian Federation. Mercury emissions are projected to increase by 2030 largely based on projected national energy consumption and mercury content of coal feedstocks. Remaining challenges to improve data quality and considerations for further research are outlined.