Pilot project of a hydrogen train on Sakhalin Island
Initiator: Rosatom. Project participants: Russian Railways, TRANSMASHHOLDING, Government of the Sakhalin region
Timeframe: 2024
The project mission is the organization of railway communication using hydrogen cell trains on Sakhalin Island. In 2019, an agreement on cooperation and engagement on the project was signed. It is expected that putting the hydrogen train into operation will take place in 2024. The project provides for the construction of two hydrogen filling stations in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Kholmsk. In total, the project plans to create 7 trains – 5 two-car and 2 three-car. The estimated hydrogen consumption is 224 tons per year. This project will contribute to the climate programme of the Sakhalin region and will also allow to develop hydrogen technologies on railway transport.
Hydrogen cluster on Sakhalin Island. Eastern Hydrogen Cluster
Initiator/operator: Government of the Sakhalin region, JSC Rusatom Overseas (Rosatom State Corporation Company) and Air Liquide
Timeframe: reaching full capacity of the plant is expected by 2030
The Eastern Hydrogen Cluster is being formed in the Sakhalin Region which has direct access to resources – natural gas. There are also preferential regimes here – Priority Development Area and Free Port of Vladivostok as well as geographic proximity to Japan and South Korea, so the logistical costs of export will be minimal. The project provides for the creation of a hydrogen cluster with the option to import this fuel to the Asia-Pacific markets; establishment of a research and technology competence centre for hydrogen economy on the premises of Sakhalin State University. It is planned that in 2024, 30,000 tonnes of hydrogen will be produced in the Sakhalin region, and by 2030 – 100,000 tonnes. In April 2021, an agreement was signed between the government of the Sakhalin Region, Rusatom Overseas and Air Liquide on the construction of a hydrogen plant. A site for the future plant has been selected on the island and a preliminary feasibility study has been prepared.
By 2030, it is planned to put the second and third plants into operation which will allow to bring the annual hydrogen production in the Sakhalin region to 100,000 tons.
Production of hydrogen from ammonia at Obsky Gas Chemical Complex
Initiator: Novatek
Investments: $2.2-2.4 billion
Timeframe: first stage – 2026
Obsky Gas Chemical Complex is designed to produce 2.2 million tonnes of ammonia and 130,000 tonnes of hydrogen per year. The first stage of the plant should be launched in 2026, the second – in 2027. Novatek has signed an agreement with the German Uniper on the hydrogen supply from the future plant. It is planned to supply 1.2 million tons of ammonia per year.
Development of hydrogen economy on the premises of the International Arctic station "Snowflake"
Initiator: MIPT Institute of Arctic Technologies and InEnergy Group of Companies
Timeframe: 2024
The Institute of Arctic Technologies of MIPT and InEnergy Group of companies signed an agreement on creation of a hydrogen economy landfill based on the international Arctic station “Snowflake” developed by MIPT engineers. The eight domed buildings of the station, when viewed from above, resemble a snowflake.
There will be no need to bring fuel to the station that is important for facilities located in the Far North. Thus, the station will be completely eco-friendly. “Snowflake” will generate energy using wind power, accumulate it and then receive hydrogen which will serve as an energy source during the pause of the wind.
This will be the world’s first Arctic complex that provides itself with heat and electricity without using hydrocarbons. The station will not produce waste. On the polar days, when it is bright all day and night in Yamal, the sun will become an additional source of energy. The station will supply electricity not only to its premises but also to the houses of locals.
The International scientific training ground will be built in the Jade Valley on the lake shore in the foothills of the Rai-iz mountain range on the eastern slopes of the Polar Urals. The estimated starting date for the test operation of the high-tech autonomous Arctic facility is scheduled for 2024.
Research will be conducted in various areas at the station. The Snowflake project is open to researchers all over the world. And Norway was the first country to express its intention to join it.
Production of low-carbon hydrogen in the Sakhalin region
Initiator: Rosatom’s joint project with Air Liquide
Timeframe: 2025
The project provides for the establishment of hydrogen and ammonia production by steam methane reformation with CO2 capture in 2024.
Pilot projects "Green hydrogen" and "Blue hydrogen" in the Leningrad region
Timeframe: 2023
The Green Hydrogen project is being considered for implementation in the Leningrad region with the launch of pilot production in 2023. The intended sales market are Russia. The production output is 4,500 tonnes of hydrogen per year.
The Blue Hydrogen project provides for hydrogen production by steam methane reformation with CO2 capture at gas chemical enterprises of the Leningrad region.
