Saudi Arabia, Germany sign landmark MoU to produce hydrogen

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and Germany have signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the production and use of hydrogen.

The MoU was signed on Thursday during a virtual session by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman and Germany’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier.

The energy partnership is an extension of the bilateral cooperation within the existing Saudi-German dialogue on energy and it seeks to implement the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change, especially with regard to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.

The agreement is also aimed at the strengthening of German-Saudi cooperation in the field of clean hydrogen fuel generation, processing, use, transportation, and joint marketing, through the participation of the relevant authorities from research institutions, and institutions of the public and private sectors, to implement the required activities.

Commenting on the partnership, Prince Abdulaziz said: “The objectives of the MoU will help achieve goals of the "Kingdom 2030" vision which seek to achieve sustainable development, preserve the environment, support innovation, promote knowledge transfer, and create more qualitative jobs for the sons and daughters of Saudi Arabia."

“The potential of hydrogen was never unknown, but now it has become a part of the strategic energy thinking because hydrogen is one of the most important future fuels,” the Saudi energy minister said.

“With regard to the contribution toward supporting efforts countries to address the climate change issue, we affirm our commitment to lead the response in managing emissions, while continuing our socio-economic development.”