Algiers Hosts Second Green Hydrogen Project Meeting
Algeria is hosting the second ministerial meeting for the SouthH2 Green Hydrogen Corridor project, bringing together energy ministers from partner nations to foster cooperation for a sustainable energy future. Representatives from Algeria, Austria, Germany, Italy, and Tunisia are participating in the meeting, which underscores a shared commitment to advance the project. The ambitious initiative aims to transport four million tons of green hydrogen annually from Algeria to three European countries, fulfilling an estimated 10 percent of Europe's projected clean fuel demand by 2040 via a 3000-kilometer pipeline route.
The SouthH2 Green Hydrogen Corridor project is considered fundamental to Algeria's strategy for developing green hydrogen exports. It plans to leverage existing natural gas pipelines, which will be updated and adapted for hydrogen transport. The groundwork for the project commenced in October 2024, when Sonatrach and Sonelgaz signed a Memorandum of Understanding with German company VNG, Italian companies Snam and S-Corridor, and Austrian company Verbund Green Hydrogen. This agreement initiated the necessary studies to evaluate the feasibility and profitability of an integrated project for green hydrogen production in Algeria and its export to Europe.
Further reinforcing this strategic pathway, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's visit to Germany in July advanced cooperation in the energy transition sector. During this visit, Sonatrach signed two protocol agreements with Robert Bosch and Siemens Energy. These agreements are set to enhance collaboration in areas including the manufacturing of electrolyzers, hydrogen production, equipment maintenance and repair, and specialized training. The first ministerial meeting for the SouthH2 Green Hydrogen Corridor project, held in Rome in January 2025, culminated in a joint declaration of political intentions, affirming the signatory parties' commitment to strengthening cooperation within a joint five-party working group to develop this significant energy project.
