Germany and the Netherlands aim to intensify energy cooperation

The economy ministers of Germany and the Netherlands, Peter Altmaier and Eric Wiebes, have signed a joint declaration at the sidelines of joint cabinet consultations, vowing to intensify close cooperation as the energy transition progresses in both countries. The governments acknowledged that national energy policy decisions need to take due account of effects on neighbouring countries, and highlighted the importance of cooperation especially on cross-border issues, such as gas supply. Germany and the Netherlands said they see great potential in North Sea offshore wind and aim to facilitate the development of interconnected cross-border projects. They also focussed on the future role of hydrogen and announced a joint feasibility study on the viability of future hydrogen applications, green hydrogen production, and the large-scale storage and transportation infrastructure. The two countries say the will look into setting up joint standards and regulation for hydrogen. The declaration says the governments “intend to continue their dialogue at expert level on the various options for carbon pricing as a key measure in the decarbonisation of the economy.

Germany has in the past been criticised for its national approach to the energy transition. Expanding green energy rapidly and switching off its nuclear power stations antagonised some neighbours and the European Commission. Since then, the country has launched a number of initiatives to improve cooperation and coordination with neighbouring countries. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has repeatedly mentioned the Netherlands as a key partner for a possible coalition of the willing for CO₂ pricing strategies for sectors not covered by the ETS.