The UK and Germany have entered a significant partnership to advance the international hydrogen sector. On the 26th of September, 2023, the two nations have signed an agreement, placing them at the forefront of hydrogen development.
Declaration signed in Berlin
Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, Lord Callanan, and Germany’s State Secretary for Energy, Philip Nimmermann, penned the Joint Declaration of Intent at the UK Embassy in Berlin. This collaboration aims to solidify the international hydrogen trade.
Commitment to low-carbon energy
Both governments are dedicated to accelerating low-carbon hydrogen in their energy strategies, presenting a model for developing net zero-friendly markets. This collaboration will foster innovative, renewable hydrogen technologies, generating employment and promoting low-carbon investments.
Investment drive in hydrogen
This partnership follows substantial investment by both nations in hydrogen as a fuel alternative. The UK government draws support from the £240 million Net Zero Hydrogen Fund and the Hydrogen Production Business Model. Meanwhile, Germany leverages funds from the Climate and Transformation Fund, propelling the growth of the hydrogen market.
Towards net zero by 2050
This initiative is set to boost the journey towards net zero emissions by 2050. It will enhance the energy security for both nations, transitioning from fossil fuels to more sustainable options.
Lord Callanan remarked on the collaboration’s potential, emphasising its transformative role in achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Similarly, State Secretary Nimmermann highlighted mutual benefits and the vital role of hydrogen in emission reduction.
Five collaboration pillars
The leaders have agreed upon five collaboration areas:
- Speeding up hydrogen project deployment.
- International leadership on hydrogen markets, with safety and regulations.
- Hydrogen research and innovation.
- Trade promotion for hydrogen and related goods.
- Joint market analysis to aid planning and investments.
This cooperation aims to make hydrogen technology more affordable, potentially reducing future energy costs for consumers.
Private investment on the horizon
The industry is expected to benefit from these trade opportunities, with private investments in hydrogen technology likely to increase. Both countries will focus on international safety standards, aiming to develop reliable markets for sustainable low-carbon hydrogen.
Industry leaders weigh in
Steve Scrimshaw, VP of Siemens Energy UK&I, expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to enhance the hydrogen economy. Dennis Schulz, CEO of ITM Power, welcomed the collaboration, highlighting Germany’s significance in the hydrogen market. Michael Lewis, CEO of Uniper, lauded the initiative as a key step in German-British energy cooperation. Lastly, Sopna Sury, COO at Hydrogen RWE Generation, underlined RWE’s commitment to boosting green hydrogen in both countries.
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