Algeria and Germany want to cooperate on hydrogen

Germany and Algeria want to work more closely together in the area of ​​hydrogen. Economics Minister Habeck signed a corresponding declaration of intent in Algiers. Existing gas pipelines must now be converted.

Germany wants to import hydrogen from Algeria: Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) signed a corresponding declaration of intent during a two-day visit to the North African country. The aim is to convert existing natural gas pipelines that run through the Mediterranean via Italy to Germany so that they can transport hydrogen.

“Through this connection we could get to southeast Germany,” explained Habeck in a video published on the short message service X. There the lines could then be linked to the southern German network. “About 70 percent of the lines can be used, 30 have to be converted or rebuilt,” Habeck continued. “But considering the 3,000 kilometers, that is still very, very cheap.”

Habeck sees a win-win situation

Germany has a great need for hydrogen in order to master the planned energy transition – for example in the plants planned as part of the recently published power plant strategy. According to Habeck, a large part of the hydrogen required must be produced abroad. “Algeria, the largest country in Africa, has ideal conditions for this and, above all, it has a gas pipeline connection to Europe,” said the Green politician. “And of course it would really be an advantage for Algeria to get out of fossil fuels, but to immediately start creating new value, so that the country also has an economic incentive to go down this path.”

Habeck was accompanied on his visit by a high-ranking business delegation – including numerous entrepreneurs from the renewable energy sector. Despite stable relations between Germany and Algeria, companies already established there are complaining about difficulties. Official processes often take a long time and government decisions are not always comprehensible.