Russia is prepared to collaborate with the European Union on hydrogen energy projects, including those related to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, said Russian envoy to the EU Vladimir Chizhov.

“In terms of developing hydrogen projects, Russia is prepared to engage with the EU and other interested parties to iron out various nuances,” the diplomat said. Chizhov observed that modern technology enable the successful use of hydrogen in combination with natural gas. “I would want to emphasize that modern gas pipelines, such as the Nord Stream 2, are capable of accommodating this in due course. Brownfield pipelines, such as the Ukrainian transit pipeline, will almost certainly not afford such an opportunity “said Chizhov .

The Russian envoy does not rule out the possibility that the European Union will miss the 2050 deadline for implementing the European Green Deal. “I have certain reservations, given the pace of implementation,” Chizhov added, noting that Russia and several other countries committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2060.

The ambassador noted that the departure year of 2021 demonstrated a higher reliance on renewable energy on weather. “Thus, for the foreseeable future, we will want backup capacity, and backup capacity is best provided by gas due to a variety of issues, including environmental ones. Now, some senior EU officials are claiming that the difficulties that have occurred this year are the result of insufficient attention and investment in the renewable energy sector. As if you could put another million or two into them, the sun would shine brighter and the breeze would blow more efficiently. That comes across as a little naive “As the diplomat put it.