Russian Federation
Policy and Legislation
By decree of the Russian president in May 2006, hydrogen energy technologies were given the status of being critically important for the further development of the national economy. As such, hydrogen energy technologies are to be developed on a priority basis.
The national programs that funded research, development, and demonstration (RDD) projects from 2002 to 2006 have been successfully completed. Since 2007, projects aimed at the development and deployment of hydrogen energy technologies, including projects related to fuel cells, have been funded by the Russian government. Funding is mainly derived through two national (or special federal) programs: (1) “R&D in the Priority Areas of the Russian Scientific and Technological Complex Development for 2007–2012” and (2) “National Technological Basis for 2007–2011.” The main objective of the first program is to accelerate R&D in the priority areas of science and engineering. The focus of the second program is to accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies and new products. Some basic research related to hydrogen is also funded through the programs of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) and the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR).
Government Hydrogen and Fuel Cell RD&D Funding
For 2007 to 2009, the annual budget allocation for RDD projects through the special federal program, “R&D in the Priority Areas of the Russian Scientific and Technological Complex Development for 2007–2012,” amounts to more than $17 million. This program is implemented under the auspices of FASI. In addition, approximately $13.5 million is provided through the “National Technological Basis” program. Some funding is also allocated through other Russian agencies (e.g., Roscosmos and Rosatom). In addition, about $20 million is allocated by private companies (e.g., Gazprom, JSC Russian Railways [RZhD], Nornikel, and others) for projects to be implemented through public-private partnerships.