Germany explores raw material and hydrogen partnership with Australia

Germany is exploring ways to expand cooperation with Australia on hydrogen and raw materials in a bid to diversify its import partners and reduce dependencies. Together with a business delegation, state secretary at the economy ministry Franziska Brantner is visiting the country until 7 April to explore how a closer strategic partnership could be pursued. “We need reliable partners to master the energy transition and build resilient value chains,” Brantner said. Australia and Germany already have close economic partnerships offering big potential for the supply of hydrogen and raw materials, she explained, adding that the trip was “aimed at exploiting this potential, bringing German and Australian companies together and exploring cooperative ventures.” Cooperation on energy and raw materials between the countries was formalised in 2017, and an energy partnership as well as a hydrogen agreement were signed in 2021.

Russia’s war against Ukraine and the ensuing energy crisis forced Germany to rethink its international dependencies. The country is now keen to develop new partnerships in order to reduce its dependence on China which has caused concern in the German solar power industry, among others. Closer partnerships with Africa, South America and Japan have already begun to take shape.