With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine serving as a catalyst to new sustainable clean energy supply chains, Canada is working with European partners to strengthen global energy security and accelerate the energy transition – and the launch coincided with Newfoundland announcing more green hydrogen projects.
The alliance commits the two countries to spur investment in hydrogen projects through policy harmonisation, supporting the development of secure hydrogen supply chains and establishing a transatlantic Canada–Germany supply corridor.
The Joint Declaration of Intent was signed in the presence of Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Habeck, Vice-Chancellor of Germany, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Premier Andrew Furey and German Ambassador Sabine Sparwasser.
Canada has a long history of private and public leadership in hydrogen innovation, including fuel cell technology, and claims it is home to the largest number of hydrogen engineers in the G20.
The Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson said, “Unlocking the potential of hydrogen is an essential part of our government’s plan for a sustainable economic future — not just for the domestic opportunities for emissions reductions but also for its potential as an export opportunity: to provide clean energy to countries around the globe.”
Habeck said green hydrogen is an important key for a climate-neutral economy.
He said, “We must resolutely pursue climate change mitigation in order to secure our prosperity and freedom. This is more important and urgent than ever at this time. The Hydrogen Alliance between Canada and Germany is a significant milestone as we accelerate the international market rollout of green hydrogen and clear the way for new transatlantic cooperation. Specifically, we aim to build up a transatlantic supply chain for green hydrogen.”
As Canada’s domestic clean hydrogen strategy continues to blur the lines between renewable and fossil-based hydrogen, the Canadian government has the chance to learn from Germany’s clear categorisation and focus on green hydrogen, according to Climate Action Network Canada.
Caroline Brouillette, National Policy Manager, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat Canada, said the invasion of Ukraine has starkly illustrated the dangers of fossil fuel dependence.
She said, “Canada and Germany just sent the much-needed signal that another way is possible, and desirable. The Canadian government must use this moment as a tipping point, and plan for a just transition to renewable energy across the economy – no more hiding between vague definitions of ‘clean’ energy that serve as cover for continued reliance on volatile, climate-destroying fuels.”
Canada must also ensure the funding committed through this agreement does not extend fossil fuel subsidies, and instead use public resources to support the expansion of renewable energy, according to a network statement.
“Canadian and German business delegations discussed LNG and gas-based hydrogen projects during the visit, and will undoubtedly continue lobbying for financial and regulatory favours in the coming weeks.”
Federal and provincial governments must build on the vision expressed in today’s declaration and resist industry pressure as new LNG infrastructure projects on the East Coast would come online far too late to help with Europe’s current needs, make us more vulnerable to climate losses and damages, violate Indigenous rights, and sabotage Canada’s climate commitments, it added.
Miawpukek First Nation launches new hydrogen projects
Miawpukek First Nation capitalised on interest around the accord by announcing three renewable wind-to-hydrogen projects in the Newfoundland and Labrador region.
The new projects involving Red Earth Energy, Source3 Energy and Fortescue Future Industries, and follows the latter unveiling a series of MoUs last December.
Misel Joe, Miawpukek First Nation Chief, said its inclusion in the green energy projects is an example of industry, indigenous governments and government working together.
He said, “Producing zero carbon fuels and doing our part to transition Canada and the world to net carbon zero aligns with the values of our First Nation and the economic benefits these projects will provide will be significant for our community.”
In December 2020, the Government of Canada released the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada to provide a framework to guide actions; to stimulate investments from governments at all levels and the private sector; and to cement hydrogen’s role in Canada’s net-zero future, while also positioning Canada as a supplier of choice to the world for clean hydrogen and the technologies that use it.
In March 2021, Canada and Germany signed an energy memorandum of understanding to provide a general framework for the participants to cooperate in the energy sector, using synergies between existing bilateral and multilateral dialogues on energy and climate issues to accelerate the energy transition.