Qatar and Germany have agreed to further cooperate in energy, specifically relating to LNG trade and hydrogen development.
On 20 May, Qatar’s minister of state for energy affairs Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi and the German minister for economic affairs and climate action Robert Habeck signed a joint declaration of intent to further promote the cooperation between the two countries in the field of energy.
This deal builds on the ongoing dialogue between the two countries. The parties expect it to develop into a mutually beneficial energy partnership through building LNG trade relations as well as pursuing the climate action ambitions of both countries.
Such partnership would further strengthen Germany’s energy supply diversification through LNG imports from Qatar, while also facilitating bilateral cooperation in hydrogen and renewable sources.
Both countries will also further benefit from knowledge exchange on the energy transition topics; ranging from the expansion of renewable energies, its regulation and system integration, to energy efficiency and demand-side management.
The agreement is the culmination of the continuous dialogue between the two countries, covering a number of important energy-related issues and the potential for deepened cooperation.
Germany aims to diversify its gas supply with the help of LNG in order to foster energy security during the transition period towards carbon neutrality.
Qatar and Germany energy partnership roadmap
The energy partnership between Qatar and Germany will support high-level intergovernmental dialogue on energy-related topics. It will build bridges between both countries and bring together stakeholders from the public and private sectors. In this context, the ministers of both countries as respective responsible authorities will meet regularly. The two sides said they are progressing on a roadmap for the energy partnership outlining the structure and actions of the cooperation, including the formation of two working groups.
Firstly, the Working Group on LNG and hydrogen will support the development of LNG and hydrogen trade relations between Qatar and Germany. It will also provide a forum for discussion around questions regarding necessary infrastructure and regulatory affairs.
In addition, it will promote the cooperation between private sector stakeholders active along with the LNG and hydrogen value chain.
Secondly, the Working Group on renewables, energy efficiency and demand-side management will focus on the expansion of renewable energy capacities including related topics such as infrastructure and electricity markets. The working group will create a forum for stakeholders from both countries to engage in a dialogue on necessary framework conditions, the development of infrastructure, and technology. It will also facilitate the exchange on energy efficiency solutions that contribute to the decarbonisation of the transport, and industrial sectors.
Germany has established several energy partnerships all over the world, including in the Gulf region. This one is the latest link in a successful network aiming to further progress the global energy transition, the official statement said.