Strengthening the Energy Partnership between Algeria and Germany for Green Hydrogen Production

Algeria and Germany have reached a significant milestone in their energy partnership by announcing an enhanced collaboration in the production of green hydrogen. The main goal of this initiative is to support Algeria in establishing sustainable hydrogen infrastructure and production, marking the initiation of a promising era for renewable energies.

In the framework of this fruitful collaboration, both nations have jointly established a bilateral hydrogen task force within the context of their existing energy partnership. This entity aims to promote essential conditions for the production, storage, and transportation of green hydrogen and its derivatives. Another crucial aspect of this initiative is the upcoming establishment of a hydrogen pilot plant, showcasing a concrete commitment to energy transition.

The memorandum of understanding, signed in Algiers by the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, Dr. Robert Habeck, and the Algerian Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, underlines the strategic importance of this collaboration. Minister Habeck emphasized that Germany and Algeria, partners in energy since 2015, seek to expand their cooperation and encourage increased investments by Algeria in solar and wind energies.

"We aim to support Algeria in its future production of green hydrogen, encouraging increased investments in renewable energies, thereby creating a clean value chain," stated Minister Habeck. He also highlighted the commitment of Germany and the EU as potential buyers of green hydrogen, emphasizing the need to create the technical and economic conditions for future hydrogen deliveries between Algeria and Europe.

The Algero-German hydrogen task force will act as a catalyst to support private sector investments in both countries, contributing to energy security in Europe and the achievement of the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

This initiative was strengthened following a high-level exchange between ministers, economic representatives, and experts during a roundtable that addressed the potentials and challenges related to the development of renewable energies, hydrogen, financing, transportation, and supply. Representatives from the European Commission, Italy, Austria, and Tunisia were also present, collaborating to support the creation of a "SouthH2Corridor." This corridor aims to extend the existing gas pipeline network for renewable hydrogen from Algeria to Tunisia, Italy, and Austria, reaching southern Germany.

Algeria aspires to become a key player in green hydrogen production, aiming to export 10% of the EU's needs by 2040. This ambition could not only improve the country's economic prospects but also create new jobs while gradually shifting the energy sector towards more sustainable sources.

In summary, the "SouthH2Corridor" represents a significant step towards diversifying energy imports in Europe, and thereby contributing to the continent's energy security.

This energy collaboration between Algeria and Germany is part of the Algerian-German Energy Partnership, an interministerial platform that facilitates political dialogue on energy. This initiative is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. Stay tuned for more updates on this promising collaboration and its positive impact on the energy future of both nations.