Subject. This article examines whether there is a relationship between decoupling and economic growth with no increase in the impact on the environment. Objectives. The article aims to perform a comprehensive analysis of the decoupling of a mineral producing area. Methods. For the study, we used generalization, synthesis, and the methods of tabular and correlation analyses. Results. The article says that there is no decoupling in such a mineral extraction area as the Orenburg Oblast. Conclusions. The lack of decoupling in the Orenburg Oblast indicates a slowdown in the Oblast's transition to sustainable environmental and social and economic development. At the government and business levels, there are still contradictions between the desire for economic profit and the need to solve environmental problems.

The article examines the relevance of the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel, analyzes the state and trends in the development of the hydrogen economy, during which a number of features are identified that allow assessing the prospects for its growth. In the process of solving the task, methods of analyzing scientific literature sources in the field of hydrogen economics, retrospective analysis, scientific classification, modeling and a method of generalizing the information received were used. The article analyzes the global trend towards the transition to a green economy. The types of hydrogen according to the methods of its production are considered. The most environmentally friendly and effective methods of obtaining hydrogen by steam conversion of hydrocarbons and electrolysis of water are substantiated. The prerequisites for obtaining green hydrogen on an industrial scale are revealed. It is shown that Russia has a number of important advantages in the development of hydrogen energy, in particular, these are huge reserves of hydrocarbon raw materials and developed electric generating capacities. The article also describes the raw material potential of the Orenburg region for the possible production of hydrogen. At the same time, taking into account the peculiarities of the Russian economy, the prospects for the development of a hydrogen economy can be formed under the influence of factors of technological development and long-term demand, as well as stimulating investment activity in this sector. The materials of this article can be used in the process of developing and implementing regional programs for sustainable economic development, as well as in the educational process at universities in economic specialties.

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