The European Union’s intention to negotiate an association pact on hydrogen and renewable energy with Egypt at COP27, which begins this week in Sharm el-Sheikh, was stated by the EU on Friday.
Brussels wishes to import 10 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030 in addition to producing 10 million tonnes domestically, an EU official said. Egypt will collaborate with Europe to develop this venture,” said an EU official.
The EU will sign a joint declaration with Namibia and Kazakhstan in addition. In accordance with the official, Brussels will seek to certify renewable hydrogen that may be traded between Egypt and Europe. The EU will also bargain with Namibia and Kazakhstan in the near future. After meeting in Cairo in June, EU President Ursula von der Leyen and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi issued a joint statement saying that the EU would concentrate on renewable energy partnerships.
Egypt, Israel, and Europe have previously signed a joint declaration on the export of natural gas to Europe. Ms von der Leyen will be in Sharm el-Sheikh early next week and plans to talk about hydrogen trading during roundtables on Tuesday as part of her visit.
Negotiations will be handled by European Commission executive vice-president Frans Timmermans later in the week. Egypt will release its green hydrogen strategy during COP27 from November 6-18, the European Commission’s Deutsche Welle website reported.
The UAE recently completed the country’s first shipment of environmentally friendly ammonia to Germany. As part of its climate commitment, Europe has sought gas contracts this year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, attracting accusations of hypocrisy from the developing world. Brussels is taking substantial measures to cut global warming to 1.5°C this century, according to an EU official.
Image Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Hartwell
