Hydrogen is seen as a component of Europe’s plan to reduce its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine and recent cuts in Russian natural gas supplies to Germany and other countries.
“The state of the market and the need for expansion was coming and it wasn’t quite here yet. The illegal and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine meant everything was speeding up,” Trudeau said.
Schulz said Canada is Germany’s preferred partner as the country moves away from relying on Russia for energy supply.
“Our need may be even greater under the new circumstances,” Schulz said.
Natural gas prices soared after Russia cut or halted natural gas flows to dozens of European Union countries, driving up inflation and raising the risk of Europe sliding into recession. The Germans were urged to cut off gas use now so that the country would have enough for the coming winter.
The Canadian government earlier on Tuesday signed separate agreements with Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz that will ensure the two German carmakers have access to Canadian raw materials for batteries in electric vehicles. Conventions include Canadian cobalt, graphite, nickel and lithium.
“Subtly charming student. Pop culture junkie. Creator. Amateur music specialist. Beer fanatic.”