Ottawa: Canadian and German leaders signed a green hydrogen deal on Tuesday, paving the way for transatlantic supply chains as Europe seeks to reduce its dependence on energy from Russia. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a joint press conference with visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, “It’s a vote of confidence for Canada as his energy leader.” “The world cannot continue to rely on an authoritarian country like Russia that weaponizes its energy policy with no regard for environmental impact, labor rights or even human rights,” Trudeau said. added.
Moscow has cut energy exports to Europe in response to Western sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, forcing countries to scramble for alternatives. “Short-term constraints and he will have to discuss LNG (liquefied natural gas),” Scholz said, “but long-term, the real potential lies in green hydrogen from the wind-rich and sparsely populated Atlantic region. ‘ said.
Canada aims to become a major producer and exporter of hydrogen and other related clean technologies to replace climate-warming fossil fuels, with Germany as first customer It’s a schedule. In a joint declaration, Trudeau and Scholz outlined plans to “turn on the hydrogen economy and create a transatlantic hydrogen supply chain.”
Plans call for the first delivery of Canadian hydrogen to Germany as early as 2025. Canada said it will also export hydrogen to the wider European market. This “contributes to energy security in Europe” as the bloc seeks to end Russia’s dependence on energy, and not just in Asia.
The two leaders accompanied a sizeable German business delegation to tour the site in Stephenville, Newfoundland. There, US-based World Energy GH2 Inc. is considering building a hydrogen production facility powered by a 164-turbine, 1-gigawatt wind farm. Located on the Port-au-Pole Peninsula.
The former pulp mill boasts significant wind resources, access to the grid, and ports from which products can be shipped to Europe. The project is one of a dozen under consideration since the Newfoundland government lifted its moratorium on new wind farms. At an estimated value of $10 billion, it will be the largest investment ever made in Atlantic Canada.
Canada on Tuesday announced a tentative deal with Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. That will see his two European automakers tap into his chain of burgeoning North American supplies in an attempt to compete with Tesla in the electric vehicle market. The memorandum of understanding was signed during a visit to Canada by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, which aims to strengthen Germany’s access to new energy supplies and deepen bilateral trade ties.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that the deal “will help meet the growing demand for electric vehicles not only here at home, but around the world.” In his statement, Scholz commented that cooperation, especially in securing critical battery inputs such as lithium, nickel and cobalt, “may encourage other companies to follow suit.”
Mercedes-Benz said it envisions partnering with Canadian companies across the electric vehicle and battery supply chain, including Rock Tech Lithium, to supply up to 10,000 tons of lithium hydroxide annually from 2026. I was.
The Volkswagen deal focuses specifically on the production of battery precursors and cathode materials. Volkswagen’s newly formed battery company PowerCo will also open an office in Canada. Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess said in a statement: “Cooperating with governments around the world is an absolute prerequisite for achieving our climate goals.
“The supply of battery raw materials and the production of low carbon footprint precursor and cathode materials will enable rapid and sustainable ramp-up of battery capacity and will be a key vehicle for our growth strategy in North America.” he added.
The deal follows several other agreements announced by the sector, including Stellantis manufacturing electric vehicle batteries in Canada in March. Meanwhile, Ottawa is stepping up its support for domestic exploration for key minerals used to make electric vehicle batteries. – AFP
