The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine is forcing Germany to look for new energy suppliers. Importing LPG from Canada could be an option. During his visit to Prime Minister Trudeau, Chancellor Scholz described the cooperation on hydrogen as “central”.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised to check liquid gas deliveries to Germany and Europe. “We’re looking at every way we can help the Germans and Europeans,” Trudeau said after a meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Montreal, alluding to the desire to become independent of Russian gas as quickly as possible.
He pointed out that some of the plans for LNG terminals on Canada’s east coast have so far not been economical. One must now see whether this has changed after the Russian attack on Ukraine. Since then, the gas price has shot up so much that other projects are also becoming economical. Trudeau pointed out that the gas deposits in the west of the country had to be transported relatively long to the east coast. Europe could only be supplied from there. However, the government is looking at how it can facilitate the approval process. Otherwise, Canada is trying other ways to bring more gas onto the world market.
In view of the war in Ukraine, Scholz emphasized the importance of close cooperation with Canada in the energy sector. “Canada will play a very, very central role in the development of green hydrogen,” said the SPD politician after the meeting with Trudeau. “We are therefore very happy that we can also use this opportunity to expand our cooperation in this field.”
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is forcing Germany to position itself more broadly, especially in the energy sector. Germany could only benefit from Canada’s liquid gas in the medium term because there are still no pipelines and terminals for transport across the Atlantic. The focus of the trip is therefore on hydrogen production. In addition, the German economy has an interest in Canadian minerals and metals.
Scholz praised the cooperation with Canada in the dispute over a turbine for the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline. “Of course, Russia is trying to divide the world community. And also those who have allied themselves to support Ukraine.” It is therefore important that Canada has helped ensure that the overhauled turbine can be returned. “It was an important decision because it exposed (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s strategy aimed at dividing allies, aimed at undermining support for Ukraine.”
Russia is not a reliable business partner, the Chancellor said. The country has reduced gas deliveries across Europe, citing technical reasons that never existed. “And that’s why it’s important that we don’t fall into Putin’s trap and stick together and stand together.” Trudeau said Russia tried to blame others for weaponizing energy policy.
In view of the destruction in Ukraine, Scholz sees Germany as sharing responsibility for the country’s reconstruction. That is “an important task, where the world community has to set the right course in good time,” he said. Even now, during the war, one has to deal with the reconstruction of the country. Germany and the EU wanted to push this forward at a reconstruction conference.
