The UK and Germany have signed an agreement to help accelerate the development of an international hydrogen industry.
Signed today at the UK Embassy in Berlin by Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan, and Germany’s State Secretary for Energy Philip Nimmermann, the joint declaration of intent will see the UK and Germany work together to underpin the international trade in hydrogen. 
The two governments will also accelerate the role of low-carbon hydrogen in their nations’ energy mix, showing the world how to expand new, net zero-friendly markets. They committed to work together to further advance ground-breaking and renewable hydrogen technologies, supporting jobs and low-carbon investment.
Lord Callanan says: ‘The UK and Germany are natural partners in making low-carbon hydrogen a cleaner and more sustainable way to power up our societies. This agreement will underpin the development of this new fuel not just for our respective countries but also for an international trade that could be transformative in our work towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050. It is through these partnerships that we can move away from expensive fossil fuels – and in doing so boost our energy security.’
The partnership follows significant investment by both countries in the development of hydrogen as an alternative fuel.
In the UK, the government is supporting new low-carbon hydrogen production with capital from the £240m Net Zero Hydrogen Fund and revenue support from the Hydrogen Production Business Model.
In Germany, the government is also supporting the implementation of the National Hydrogen Strategy with funding from the Climate and Transformation Fund, providing a push for the ramp-up of a hydrogen market.
‘With this declaration we are on our way to jointly help developing the European and international markets for hydrogen. Our cooperation will not just involve trading of hydrogen and its derivates, but also cooperation on technologies and innovation in this field, which will be of mutual benefit for both Germany and the UK,’ says Nimmerman. ‘Hydrogen is of the highest importance for us to meet our goals regarding emission reduction. Also, it is a great opportunity for business. I am looking forward to a successful partnership.’
The partnership will also further boost the move towards net zero emissions by 2050, and the energy security of both countries, moving away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner and more secure, diversified alternatives.
