Hydrogen energy in Russia: Development forecasts

Abstract

The features of the Russian approach to the development of hydrogen energy with the aim of achieving the goal of carbon neutrality, designated by the United Nations, are considered. The advantages of the country's resource base have been identified, such as large reserves of natural gas, water sources, nuclear energy, as well as the existing infrastructure of production and supply chains. It is noted that in recent years there has been an attitude towards technological breakthroughs in this field based on the existing scientific groundwork and potential for further improvement of methods of production, storage and transportation of hydrogen. Government regulation and support for the development of this industry in partnership with the business community plays an important role. Pilot projects for the production of low-carbon and carbon- free hydrogen and ammonia were discussed, a number of which have already been commissioned. It is concluded that although 75% of newly commissioned capacities are green hydrogen production, trends towards reducing the carbon footprint of blue hydrogen persist. Both types have very noticeable negative manifestations, and in conditions of uncertainty it is still difficult to predict the priority of each of them.