Government representatives of Great Britain and Germany have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation for the market ramp-up of hydrogen. It provides for cooperation in the development of hydrogen projects. By jointly developing the market and new hydrogen technologies, the countries aim to become "World Hydrogen Leaders".
According to the British government, British Energy Minister Lord Callanan and German State Secretary for Energy Philip Nimmermann signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday (September 26) at the UK Embassy in Berlin. It provides for joint promotion of international hydrogen trade and cooperation in research and development.
Accordingly, the two governments want to accelerate the use of low-CO2 hydrogen in the energy mix of their countries. They also intend to cooperate in the development of new hydrogen technologies. Representatives of industrial companies operating hydrogen projects in both countries were also present, including RWE, Uniper and Siemens.
Countries have already spent or have the prospect of significant investment in hydrogen projects. The UK government is supporting green and blue hydrogen production with capital from the £240 million Net Zero Hydrogen Fund and revenue from the Hydrogen Production Business Model. In Germany, support is provided as part of the National Hydrogen Strategy with funding from the Climate and Transformation Fund.
Five pillars of cooperation
The government representatives formulate five pillars of cooperation in the declaration of intent:
- Accelerating the deployment of hydrogen projects for industry and consumers.
- Establishing "international leadership" in hydrogen markets and setting safety rules and regulations for trade
- Research and innovation in hydrogen, from production to end use
- Promote trade in hydrogen and related goods, technologies and services
- Joint market analysis to support government and industry planning and investment.
Overall, he said, the goal is to make hydrogen and related technologies more affordable and accessible. This would serve not least to reduce consumers' energy costs.
