Russia’s Rosatom and France’e EDF on 26 April signed a strategic cooperation agreement to develop green hydrogen in Russia and Europe. The agreement aims to develop initiatives in the sectors of mobility and industrial complex decarbonisation, and anticipates research and development cooperation on new CO2-neutral hydrogen technologies that will help combat global warming.
Rosatom said hydrogen energy is one of its R&D priorities. “The Russian nuclear industry has great technological and scientific potential in developing hydrogen production – both by electrolysis, one of the most environmentally-friendly production methods, and from methane conversion with associated CO2 capture and storage technologies. Rosatom's ambition is to produce and store decarbonised hydrogen, and take part in pilot projects in Russia and across the world,” Rosatom said.
In 2019, EDF strengthened its commitment to the energy transition by creating Hynamics, a subsidiary aimed at making EDF a key player in the low-carbon and renewable hydrogen sector in France and internationally. Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Director General for Corporate Development and International Business at Rosatom, said: "We believe in the future of hydrogen as an energy source and in Russia's strong export potential in this field – especially considering its rich natural resources, technologies, industries and energy sector. Rosatom systematically develops carbon-free energy generation, and our projects aren’t limited by our extensive capacity in nuclear.”
He added: “We are ready to become one of the key players in the emerging global hydrogen production, transport and consumption market. In the context of global decarbonisation goals, hydrogen as an energy source is an issue of major importance for international cooperation. I am sure our collaboration with EDF will result in significant synergies and will enable us to conduct joint hydrogen projects, not only in Russia and France but also worldwide."
Béatrice Buffon, Group Executive Vice-President in charge of EDF’s International Divisionsaid: "EDF's raison d'être is to build a net zero energy future with electricity and innovative solutions and services, to help save the planet and drive well-being and economic development. Low-carbon hydrogen production is a key factor in the energy transition. The agreement with the Rosatom Group, our historical partner in Russia and one of the country's key players in the field of decarbonised hydrogen, illustrates EDF's desire to develop a new energy model with lower CO2 emissions wherever we operate."#
