Hydrogen market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Russian hydrogen production increased from 2.05 billion m³ in 2018 to 2.42 billion m³ in 2021. This growth was initiated by state support, including the 'Clean Energy' program offering 70% subsidies for hydrogen technologies and Rosatom's strategic focus on hydrogen as part of the national energy plan. The adoption of the Hydrogen Energy Development Plan until 2024 in October 2020 provided concrete targets and pilot projects, while the approval of the Hydrogen Energy Concept in 2021 and the formation of the 'Technology Hydrogen Valley' consortium with major state-owned companies further accelerated industry development.

Production stabilized around 2.39–2.40 billion m³ between 2022 and 2024. Despite sanctions that halted the 'Obsky GHC' project in 2022, companies like Gazprom Neft and LUKOIL announced new production targets and green hydrogen initiatives, supporting market stability. The government continued its commitment with the 2023 Roadmap until 2030, setting a production target of 200 thousand tonnes by end-2024, and allocated RUB 9.3 billion in 2024 under the 'Clean Energy' project. Pilot developments, including hydrogen bus trials and the planned Sakhalin hydrogen polygon, maintained technological momentum.

For 2025, production stands at 2.19 billion m³. Regulatory measures such as the introduction of mandatory item‑level labeling for all hydrogen goods under the 'Honest Sign' system from March 1, 2025, and the continuation of subsidy programs are key market factors.

Production hydrogen in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, M m³

Russia's hydrogen production grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, production reached 2,417 million cubic meters, marking a measured increase of 7.4% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 17.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1,951 million cubic meters, with the largest decline that year at 4.9%. In contrast, the most significant increase occurred in 2020, with a jump of 15.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, M m³

Exports hydrogen from Russia

Exports in kind, K m³

The market experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2020, with a twenty-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia exported 34.3 thousand cubic meters of hydrogen, representing a steep year-on-year decline of 94.9%. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2020 at 673.1 thousand cubic meters, with the largest increase that year at 1,096.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan was the primary buyer of Russian hydrogen, accounting for 87.7% of total exports in volume terms. The remaining share was distributed among a diverse group of other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values hit their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.6-fold gap between these years. In 2021, Russia's hydrogen export value amounted to 230.2 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep decline of 59.5% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 601.1 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 90.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan were the main destinations for Russian hydrogen exports in value terms, together accounting for 90.5% of total exports. Specifically, Kazakhstan contributed 33.9%, Turkmenistan 29.4%, and Uzbekistan 27.3%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports hydrogen to Russia

Imports in kind, K m³

After a two-year decrease, Russia's hydrogen imports increased in 2021. Imports amounted to 8.6 thousand cubic meters, showing a rise of 33.2% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 55.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -23.6%. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2020 at 6.5 thousand cubic meters, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 63.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, the import structure in volume terms was highly concentrated, with Hungary and Italy together accounting for 92.8% of total flows. Other partners made up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, Russia's hydrogen import volumes increased in 2021. Imports totaled approximately 27.9 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a dramatic increase of 32.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 48%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 21.0 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 59.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Hungary and Italy remained the primary markets for hydrogen imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 93.6% of total flows. Other partners constituted the remaining share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021