Germany is searching for alternatives as it attempts to turn itself from Russian gas.
Scholz’s first trip to Canada as chancellor comes as Germany seeks methods to minimise its dependency on Russian gas.
Scholz stated at a news conference in Toronto on Tuesday that Canada was the preferred partner as Germany turns away from Russian energy supplies at “warp speed.”
“Your nation has practically limitless potential to become a powerhouse in sustainable energy and sustainable resource development,” he remarked.
The two also said that they will explore the idea of Germany buying Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG).
To that end, Trudeau said on Monday, “we are looking at every possible new method to support the German people and Europeans in the short term as they struggle.”
At the same joint news conference, Scholz said, “Canada will play a very, very key role in the development of green hydrogen.” “That’s why we’re delighted to have this opportunity to expand our relationship in this industry.”
How can hydrogen function as an energy source?
Both LNG and green hydrogen are seen as medium-term alternatives that will not assist Germany in the coming months. Canada does not yet have the capability to export LNG worldwide, and green hydrogen generation is in its infancy.
The usage of hydrogen produces no greenhouse gases. To make it, water must be divided into hydrogen and oxygen using electrolysis, which is only environmentally friendly if renewable energy is used.
In theory, hydrogen may be used to create fuels that can replace coal, oil, and natural gas in industry and transportation. Because of its high energy consumption, hydrogen is now substantially more costly than fossil fuels.
Windy, sparsely inhabited places, such as Newfoundland, are thought to be excellent for the creation of green hydrogen.
On the margins of the German-Canadian negotiations, German energy firms Eon and Uniper announced on Tuesday that they had signed a memorandum of understanding with Canada’s Everwind to import considerable amounts of hydrogen beginning in 2025.
Scholz described the deal as “an essential step, not just for boosting our bilateral economic connections, but also for ensuring a long-term energy supply.”
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Trudeau and Scholz were also set to attend an online seminar hosted by the Ukrainian government on Tuesday. The summit’s goal is to rally worldwide support for the restoration of Crimea, a peninsula acquired by Russia in 2014.
