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.
“It’s a vote of confidence for Canada as a clean energy leader,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a joint press conference with visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“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 LNG (liquefied natural gas) have to be discussed, but in the long term the real potential lies in green hydrogen from the wind-rich and sparsely populated Atlantic region,” Scholz said. Stated.
Canada aims to become a major producer and exporter of hydrogen and other related clean technologies to replace climate-warming fossil fuels, with Germany set to be its first customer.
In a joint declaration, Trudeau and Scholz outlined plans to “turn on the hydrogen economy and build a transatlantic hydrogen supply chain.”
Plans call for the first delivery of Canadian hydrogen to Germany as early as 2025.
Canada said it would export hydrogen not only to Asia, but also to the broader European market, which “contributes to Europe’s energy security” as it seeks to end Russia’s dependence on energy.
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 $10 billion value, it will be the largest single investment ever made in Atlantic Canada.
