Russia could be planning to focus on more hydrogen-based technology to help support the country's energy demands.

Aleksander Rumyantsev, the head of the Federal Agency for Atomic Energy, Rosatom, told workers that the state is committed to more civilian technologies, reports Mosnews.com.

"We are making sure progress towards finding solutions to problems, which just yesterday were believed to be tasks for the distant future," said Mr Rumyantsev at an event to mark the 60th anniversary of the industry.

He added: "Currently a state programme for the development of hydrogen power is being drawn up. The possibilities it offers, being environmentally safe, are immense."

President Vladimir Putin recently promised support for a project to develop national hydrogen power engineering in Russia and establish a series of hydrogen powered units for use in cars.

Hydrogen fuel is seen as crucial in tackling the growing problem of carbon emissions and the world's increasing reliance on fossil fuel reserves.

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