Canada, Germany in Energy Partnership MOU

Canada and Germany have inked a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together in an energy partnership aimed at advancing their respective net-zero ambitions.

The MOU was signed by Canadian energy minister Seamus O’Regan and Peter Altmaier, Germany’s minister of economic affairs and energy, during a virtual event March 16 on the sidelines of the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue.

A deputy ministerial steering committee will direct the implementation of the MOU, the terms of which “will foster the energy transition through exchanges on policy, best practices and technologies” in the areas of energy policy, planning and regulation; development of resilient electricity systems integrating “high shares” of renewables; energy efficiency, innovation and applied research and sector coupling and low-carbon fuels.

Noting Canada’s hydrogen potential – green in the hydro-electric rich regions of Quebec and Newfoundland, blue in gas-prone Alberta and Saskatchewan – O’Regan pledged Canada’s continued pursuit of carbon neutrality alongside Germany and the rest of Europe.

“We have been inspired by Germany’s leadership in the area of hydrogen and the European Union’s green vision,” he said during the signing event. “We need you both as potential customers for our product, but also as inspired competitors and colleagues.”