Skip to main content
Analysis

Germany to import Algerian gas, eyes long-term renewables partnership

Berlin needs to convince Algiers that green hydrogen production for export is technically feasible and economically viable.

FABIAN BIMMER/AFP via Getty Images
The Floating Storage Regasification Unit ship Hoegh Esperanza is guided by tugboats at the port of Wilhelmshaven, Germany, Dec. 15, 2022. — FABIAN BIMMER/AFP via Getty Images

Germany’s recent energy agreements with Algeria, including pledging to buy its pipeline natural gas for the first time, are part of a broader strategy by Berlin to coax Algiers into a larger future commitment to renewable energy, according to one expert who spoke to Al-Monitor. 

On Feb. 8, Algeria and Germany signed a contract tying state-owned gas producer Sonatrach to Leipzig-based gas trader VNG Handel & Vertrieb GmbH, a subsidiary of the VNG AG group, marking the first time the European country has procured gas from the North African nation. 

The pipeline agreement was signed during a visit by a German delegation to Algiers led by Economy Minister Robert Habeck. No more details were given about the agreement.

Also on that visit, Algeria and Germany agreed to form a task force to increase green hydrogen development as European countries scramble for sustainable energy to power their green transition. 

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

Access 1 free article per month when you sign up. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in

Related Topics