This is the first study on a Ru(bda) (bda: 2,2′-bipyridine-6,6′-dicarboxylic acid) catalyst in solution using a home-built electrochemical cell, in combination with an energy-dispersive X-ray absorption spectroscopy setup. The oxidation state and coordination number of the catalyst during electrocatalysis could be estimated, while avoiding radiation damage from the X-rays.