by Andrea Thomas
BERLIN (DOW JONES) – Germany is working closely with Canada on energy issues, according to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). After speaking with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he said both countries are among the most ambitious in the world when it comes to the energy transition to climate neutrality. Germany wants to obtain hydrogen from Canada and this plays a central role in their economic cooperation.
“It’s important for us to start a closer collaboration on this issue, and that’s exactly what we’ve done together,” Scholz said.
Germany wants to become climate-neutral by 2045 and bid farewell to the use of fossil fuels such as gas and coal. In addition to wind and solar power, hydrogen also plays a major role in energy security.
“This hydrogen will be produced in Germany, but will probably be mostly imported from other countries. And it is a starting point for a very intense, strategic cooperation between Canada and Germany, because we understand very well that Canada is one such country. That’s what can help us. While importing hydrogen, which is also produced in a more climate-friendly way in Canada,” Scholz says.
Trudeau confirms talks on energy cooperation
Given the current rapid rise in gas prices due to the Russian offensive against Ukraine, Germany is planning to build an LNG terminal on the North Sea coast and diversify its energy supply. About half of Germany’s gas imports come from Russia.
According to the federal government, these new storage facilities are to be used for hydrogen as well, following the initial use for the liquefied gas.
Trudeau was more reserved than Scholz about energy cooperation and only confirmed that raw materials and cooperation in the supply of energy were discussed.
It aims to achieve the energy transition towards hydrogen and clean energy sources.
Trudeau said, “This is a goal that we all have to keep in mind. We will certainly have many opportunities to further develop our partnership.”
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DJG/AAT/MGO
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
Mar 09, 2022 10:21 ET (15:21 GMT)
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