Economic aspects of using the technologies for carbon dioxide capture and storage in hydrogen production projects

Abstract

Subject. The article addresses one of the most promising alternatives to the development of low-carbon hydrogen production based on renewable energy sources by water electrolysis, i.e. traditional steam conversion of methane and coal gasification, but with the use of CO2 capture and storage technologies (CCS). Objectives. The aim is to review CCS technologies projects, analyze commercial prospects for their industrial application in the production of low-carbon hydrogen in Russia and internationally. Methods. The study draws on methods of literature review, content analysis of regulatory documentation, descriptive statistics, and case study. Analytical reviews of the International Energy Agency and the CCUS project database of the Global CCS Institute served as the information base of the research. Results. Commercial projects for capture and storage of hydrogen at various stages of development are implemented in 31 countries. Prospects for CCS technologies development in Russia are assessed quite highly in the international expert community. According to the CCS Readiness Index calculated under the methodology of the Global CCS Institute, recently, Russia is among the countries with the highest index figures, although it is inferior to the most BRICS partners. Conclusions. Widespread adoption of CCS technologies can significantly affect the future development of the global energy market and the share of Russia in it. Despite the growing share of renewable energy in the global energy balance and in the production of innovative energy products, the prospects for complete displacement of hydrocarbon fuels from the market currently seem unattainable. Therefore, the decarbonization of the global economy is impossible without CCS technologies development in the coming decades.