European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, and German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, convened in Lower Saxony, Germany to engage in a bilateral discussion on current energy matters. They started with a bilateral exchange in Hanover, delving into European energy issues, and later proceed to visit Salzgitter AG's Salcos project in Salzgitter.During their bilateral meeting, Kadri Simson and Robert Habeck acknowledged the achievements made under the REPowerEU initiative and explore the potential of linking the new European Hydrogen Bank with Germany's H2Global best-practice initiative. As part of a Team Europe approach, H2Global aims to facilitate hydrogen tenders for all EU governments interested. The European Hydrogen Bank and H2Global foundation will collaborate on a joint European auction, contributing to international hydrogen imports.Minister Habeck expresses Germany's commitment to investing over €5 billion in international hydrogen purchases in the coming years. The country has already commenced the first auctions, which are open to international partners. Minister Habeck strongly supports the integration of H2Global into the European Hydrogen Bank, recognizing its potential for fostering a sustainable hydrogen market.Commissioner Simson highlights the significance of hydrogen for the complete decarbonization of the energy system, alongside energy efficiency, renewables, and electrification. The EU's renewable hydrogen policy has progressed rapidly, with the REPowerEU Plan providing a substantial boost. Commissioner Simson commends Germany as the pioneer in setting up an international auction and expresses readiness to develop the first European auction through the European Hydrogen Bank, accessible to all EU countries.The visit includes a joint tour of Salzgitter AG, a prominent German steel producer. Alongside Lower Saxony's Economic Affairs Minister, Olaf Lies, Commissioner Simson and Minister Habeck witness Salzgitter AG's successful transition toward climate-neutral production. The company is implementing a new hydrogen-based route to steelmaking, enabling low-CO₂ crude-steel production. The German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action is providing approximately €700 million in funding for this ambitious project.Minister Habeck emphasized the importance of transforming steelmaking into "green steel" for the future of Germany, the EU, and achieving climate goals. The government supports steelmakers by funding new production routes, such as the Salzgitter Salcos project. They also prioritize ensuring sufficient hydrogen and renewable energy supply to meet future demands. Minister Habeck expresses satisfaction with the talks held with Commissioner Simson and the joint visit to Salzgitter, highlighting the sector's significance in renewable hydrogen consumption.
European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, and German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, convened in Lower Saxony, Germany to engage in a bilateral discussion on current energy matters. They started with a bilateral exchange in Hanover, delving into European energy issues, and later proceed to visit Salzgitter AG's Salcos project in Salzgitter.During their bilateral meeting, Kadri Simson and Robert Habeck acknowledged the achievements made under the REPowerEU initiative and explore the potential of linking the new European Hydrogen Bank with Germany's H2Global best-practice initiative. As part of a Team Europe approach, H2Global aims to facilitate hydrogen tenders for all EU governments interested. The European Hydrogen Bank and H2Global foundation will collaborate on a joint European auction, contributing to international hydrogen imports.Minister Habeck expresses Germany's commitment to investing over €5 billion in international hydrogen purchases in the coming years. The country has already commenced the first auctions, which are open to international partners. Minister Habeck strongly supports the integration of H2Global into the European Hydrogen Bank, recognizing its potential for fostering a sustainable hydrogen market.Commissioner Simson highlights the significance of hydrogen for the complete decarbonization of the energy system, alongside energy efficiency, renewables, and electrification. The EU's renewable hydrogen policy has progressed rapidly, with the REPowerEU Plan providing a substantial boost. Commissioner Simson commends Germany as the pioneer in setting up an international auction and expresses readiness to develop the first European auction through the European Hydrogen Bank, accessible to all EU countries.The visit includes a joint tour of Salzgitter AG, a prominent German steel producer. Alongside Lower Saxony's Economic Affairs Minister, Olaf Lies, Commissioner Simson and Minister Habeck witness Salzgitter AG's successful transition toward climate-neutral production. The company is implementing a new hydrogen-based route to steelmaking, enabling low-CO₂ crude-steel production. The German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action is providing approximately €700 million in funding for this ambitious project.Minister Habeck emphasized the importance of transforming steelmaking into "green steel" for the future of Germany, the EU, and achieving climate goals. The government supports steelmakers by funding new production routes, such as the Salzgitter Salcos project. They also prioritize ensuring sufficient hydrogen and renewable energy supply to meet future demands. Minister Habeck expresses satisfaction with the talks held with Commissioner Simson and the joint visit to Salzgitter, highlighting the sector's significance in renewable hydrogen consumption.
