The state corporation said setting up a production centre on Sakhalin would make it possible to supply 40 % of demand for hydrogen in Japan by 2030.

    “If the feasibility study proves successful we’ll be able to speak about the start of a project to organise a global network to supply hydrogen in the future – with the creation of a unique low-carbon hydrogen cluster,” Rosatom said in a statement.

   Rosatom said it was very much in its interests to pursue technological cooperation with Japanese companies and their unique technologies.

     Two years ago, Rosatom signed an agreement with Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy on cooperation and joint development concerning a feasibility study for a pilot project on Russian exports of hydrogen to Japan. The study involved the possible production of hydrogen by electrolysis for the Japanese market.

    The feasibility study prepared jointly with the Japanese government and the Kawasaki company is to be completed this year.

    As part of the development of the “hydrogen cluster” on Sakhalin, plans call for development of the country’s first hydrogen-powered train – with plans for completion by 2023. Seven trains are to be built for the Russian State Railways. The trains are to be built by the Transmashholding company, with fuel to be provided by Rosatom.

    Sakhalin, one of Russia’s oil and gas centres has declared its intention to become a carbon-neutral region by 2025.