On the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, BP Russia President David Campbell told Sputnik that Russia can become a leader in the production of blue hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas using CO2 capture, utilization, and storage technologies, and that the UK energy company BP is ready to join such projects if state support is provided (SPIEF).
Because green hydrogen is more expensive, the BP Russia CEO stated that he is unaware of the prospects for its development in Russia. Green hydrogen development, according to Campbell, would necessitate improved technologies as well as government stimulus.
This year’s SPIEF will be held in person at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Center in St. Petersburg from Wednesday to Saturday. The Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency, which includes brands like Sputnik, RIA Novosti, InoSMI, and Baltnews, is an official media partner of the country’s major economic forum.
“Absolutely. We have hydrogen business … part of our collaboration agreement with Rosneft, hydrogen is one of the things we’ll look at together. So again if the government is supportive of it and we can see opportunities and we can make money on it – then yes, absolutely,” Campbell said, asked if BP Russia is looking into blue hydrogen projects.
“Russia of course is a fantastic endowment of natural gas, and Russia will not want to waste its natural gas. So I think it could and should become a leader in blue hydrogen . Of course, you have many reservoirs where CCUS should be possible, but that will require government support,” Campbell added.