German and Canadian officials announced on Tuesday that a new hydrogen agreement would launch a transatlantic hydrogen supply chain, with the first shipments anticipated in only three years.
In the port city of Stephenville, Newfoundland, the agreement was signed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. A Canadian corporation intends to construct an emission-free facility that will use wind power to create hydrogen and ammonia for export.
In view of the conflict in the Ukraine and subsequent limitations in the supply of Russian natural gas to Germany and other nations, hydrogen is considered as an element of Europe’s strategy to lessen its dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
“The market case and the need to scale up were on the horizon but not quite there. Everything has escalated because of Russia’s unlawful and indefensible invasion of Ukraine, according to Trudeau.
Germany’s preferred partner, according to Scholz, as it transitions away from depending on Russia for energy, is Canada.
Under the current conditions, “our need could be much greater,” Scholz added.
As a result of Russia reducing or stopping natural gas deliveries to a dozen member states of the European Union, natural gas prices have risen, causing inflation and increasing the possibility that Europe may enter a recession. Germans have being asked to reduce their gas use now so that there would be plenty for the coming winter.
Early on Tuesday, the Canadian government inked separate deals with Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen that would provide the two German automakers access to Canadian raw materials for the batteries used in their electric cars. Canadian cobalt, graphite, nickel, and lithium are all included in the agreements.
