Joint Statement - Germany – Norway - Hydrogen

Our cooperation will build on the declaration by Chancellor Scholz and Prime Minister Støre from January 2022 to strengthen the German-Norwegian cooperation on energy transition and to establish a long-term and structured dialogue in the field of industry and energy.

Norway and Germany confirm our common intent to ensure a large-scale supply of hydrogen with the necessary infrastructure from Norway to Germany by 2030. Based on a step-by-step approach, we will explore the technical and economical feasibility of such solutions, in particular through a large scale pipeline. We have commissioned a joint feasibility study to assess large-scale transport of hydrogen from Norway to Germany, and CO₂-transport from Germany to Norway. The aim is to increase the maturity of a hydrogen value chain. The feasibility study is undertaken by Gassco and DENA and includes a large number of industrial partners and the results from the study will be presented in the spring of 2023. Our joint understanding is that a large-scale transport of hydrogen between Norway, Germany and the EU will rest on a solid technical and financial basis.

Norway wants to actively contribute to the development of the hydrogen market in Germany and the EU. Both countries recognize that there are substantial challenges on the way to build value chains and a functioning European hydrogen market, both on the producer and recipient side. Norway and Germany will seek to accelerate the necessary framework for a functioning European hydrogen market.

Germany sees Norway as a partner for the production and supply of hydrogen. Norway welcomes German initiatives to develop the demand side in a future hydrogen market. In order to realize the fastest possible high-volumes of hydrogen with zero or low-emissions, we will jointly plan the use of hydrogen produced from natural gas with Carbon Capture and Storage (blue hydrogen) for a transition period. In this context, we will ensure environmental and climate integrity by establishing for example the highest possible standards for Carbon Capture and Storage. Both countries aim at scaling up the production of renewable energy quickly, a prerequisite for production of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen can subsequently be phased in into the common transport infrastructure.

In line with our commitment to pursue efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°degrees, Norway and Germany will work together towards a climate-neutral economy capable of securing jobs and energy solutions that are sustainable and forward-looking. Norway and Germany will jointly take a leading role in managing carbon emissions in Europe in order to contribute to the transformation towards a climate-neutral industry and thus towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.