Russia's carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) policy in the context of hydrogen energy development: A critical review

This study critically evaluates Russia’s carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) policy within the framework of low-carbon hydrogen development, with a particular focus on the feasibility of “blue” hydrogen. Using a multivocal literature review of 44 high-quality academic and gray sources, the analysis compares Russia’s emerging CCUS framework with established international policy models. The results show that blue hydrogen production in Russia is technically feasible and cost-competitive at the production stage, with estimated costs of approximately USD 2.8–3.5 per kg H 2 when CCUS is applied, compared to USD 0.5–1.7 per kg H 2 for unabated hydrogen. Lifecycle emissions of blue hydrogen range from 7.6 to 9.3 kg CO 2 -eq/kg H 2 , representing a 30–45% reduction relative to grey hydrogen but remaining significantly higher than renewable-based green hydrogen (0.6–2.5 kg CO 2 -eq/kg H 2 ). Russia possesses substantial geological CO 2 storage potential, estimated at over 7.3 Gt, with individual projects capable of injecting up to 1 Mt CO 2 annually; however, only about 22.6% of this capacity is suitable for CO 2 -enhanced oil recovery. Despite these technical advantages, large-scale CCUS deployment is constrained by high capital intensity, leakage risks, geopolitical barriers, and a “soft” regulatory regime lacking enforceable carbon pricing or targeted fiscal incentives. In contrast to countries such as the United States, Norway, and Canada, where tax credits, carbon pricing, and dedicated storage regulation underpin commercial CCUS projects, Russia’s current policy framework remains insufficient to ensure investment viability. The study concludes that without the rapid introduction of robust carbon pricing, legally defined CO 2 storage regimes, and performance-based financial incentives, CCUS in Russia will remain confined to pilot projects, limiting the environmental credibility and export competitiveness of Russian blue hydrogen. • Russian blue hydrogen is technically and cost competitive • Blue hydrogen reduces emissions but lags green • Vast CO 2 storage, limited practical capacity • Policy gaps block CCUS scale-up in Russia • Stronger policies needed for blue hydrogen success