Large Russian mining and energy businesses are actively researching various options for generating hydrogen, including from water, according to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
In the next three years, the Russian government plans to invest more than 9 billion rubles in the development of hydrogen energy. This was said by Russian Federation Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin during a strategy discussion on the development of this trend in the Russian Federation on Friday.
He stated that big Russian mining and energy businesses are already actively researching various methods for generating hydrogen, including utilizing water, nuclear power plant electricity, and renewable energy sources.
“More than 9 billion rubles are provided for this purpose as part of one of 42 socioeconomic development projects endorsed by the president and authorized by the cabinet last week,” the prime minister said, adding that the funding is for the next three years.
These monies will be utilized over the next three years to develop competitive domestic hydrogen production, transportation, and storage systems. Other topics include the establishment of testing grounds for hydrogen energy technology in diverse locations, including the Arctic.
According to Mishustin, the government authorized a concept for the development of hydrogen energy in order to complete all of the objectives. “It specifies the aims, objectives, and strategic initiatives, as well as important measures for the medium and long-term creation of this industry in the country,” the Cabinet chief emphasized.
He went on to say that the concept will be developed in stages. First and foremost, it is intended to establish specialized clusters and pilot projects for the production and export of hydrogen, as well as the use of hydrogen-based energy carriers inside the country. “It is critical to establish huge companies capable of meeting not only local demand but also ensuring supplies overseas.” “The transition to serial use of hydrogen technology in many areas of our economy should remain a priority,” the prime minister stated.
He went on to say that in order to complete tasks effectively, an interdepartmental working group was formed. It would coordinate cooperative efforts to provide not only strategic solutions, but also state-level assistance for the country’s hydrogen energy growth. As Mishustin pointed out, developing scientific and technological skills in this field requires a methodical strategy.
“Of course, the creation of a global market necessitates states working together to develop a unified classification of hydrogen, which should first and foremost include an assessment of the carbon footprint associated with each of the available technologies for producing this energy resource,” he said.
The transition to carbon neutrality is a significant task, but it also presents Russia with significant potential, according to Mishustin.
“More than 60 nations have already declared their desire to become carbon neutral, which will certainly result in a shift in the structure of energy consumption in the next three decades – around 25 years,” Mishustin added. – This situation is a significant problem, but it also presents a tremendous opportunity for our country. In the framework of the global energy transition, this is an incentive for the deployment of breakthrough technologies in the backbone sectors of the economy, the development of new growth spots, high-tech jobs, and extra competitive advantages.
The growth of hydrogen energy is a promising path in this field, according to the prime minister. Hydrogen, according to Mishustin, may be produced from a variety of sources and is useful in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, energy, and transportation. “Russia has significant hydrocarbon reserves, particularly natural gas, as well as nuclear energy and renewable energy possibilities. Of course, it’s critical to take use of these benefits while we’re still developing our own technological capabilities in the field of hydrogen energy,’ the Cabinet chief said.
He noted that the government and Gazprom signed an agreement on the development of hydrogen energy and the decarbonization of industry and transportation based on natural gas just a few days ago at the Russian Energy Week (REW). “Of course, the growth of this business will necessitate the recruitment of new resources, both financial and intellectual,” Mishustin noted.
“Our country has a serious scientific base, which, with its expansion, will allow us to conduct fundamental and applied research to develop technologies for obtaining pure and affordable hydrogen, and the cost of its production will, of course, become much lower in the future,” the prime minister concluded.
He further mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the REW plenary session on October 13 and addressed the worldwide climate agenda in depth with scientists and businesses. “The head of state emphasized the significance of creating a balance in the energy market to maintain global energy and environmental security, with a particular focus on the need to learn from the current situation on the European market,” Mishustin stated.
