The ministers of energy from Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Austria, and Germany have signed the Alger Declaration, a landmark agreement aimed at fostering regional and Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in the field of clean energy. The declaration, signed in Algiers, outlines plans for the creation of a dedicated secretariat to provide technical support for the project, in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This initiative seeks to accelerate the development of the "South Hydrogen Corridor" (SoutH2 Corridor), a strategic project designed to boost Euro-Mediterranean energy integration.
The SoutH2 Corridor project envisions the annual transportation of nearly 4 million tons of green hydrogen from Algeria to Europe via a 3,000-kilometer pipeline. This represents approximately 10% of Europe's projected demand for green hydrogen by 2040. The project is expected to play a significant role in Algeria's exports, leveraging the modernization and adaptation of existing gas pipeline networks. The declaration emphasizes the importance of this corridor in stimulating synergies between partner countries in the development of hydrogen and associated infrastructure.
The signing ceremony took place during the second ministerial meeting of the project, held in Algiers on October 1, 2026. The meeting, attended by representatives of the five partner countries, focused on deepening cooperation to achieve a sustainable energy future. The project has been in development since October 2024, when a protocol agreement was signed in Oran between Sonatrach, Sonelgaz, and German, Italian, and Austrian companies to conduct feasibility and profitability studies.
The momentum of the project gained further traction in July 2026, during the visit of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Germany. Two protocol agreements were concluded between Sonatrach, Robert Bosch, and Siemens Energy, covering transition energy, electrolyzer manufacturing, hydrogen production, maintenance, and training. These agreements mark significant progress in the development of the SoutH2 Corridor project.
The Alger Declaration builds on a previous declaration of intent signed during the first ministerial meeting in Rome in January 2025. The new declaration solidifies the commitment of the partner countries to a mutually beneficial partnership between the two shores of the Mediterranean, aimed at supporting regional economic growth. The project is seen as a key driver of economic integration and cooperation in the region.
The secretariat established under the declaration will provide technical expertise and support mechanisms to accelerate the project's implementation. UNIDO will play a crucial role in facilitating the project's development, ensuring that it meets its strategic objectives. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the region's energy landscape, promoting sustainable development and economic growth.
The SoutH2 Corridor project is a major initiative that aligns with Algeria's efforts to diversify its economy and develop its renewable energy sector. The project is also expected to create new opportunities for cooperation and economic growth between Algeria and its European partners. Key aspects of the project include the creation of a green hydrogen production hub in Algeria, the development of a pipeline network to transport the hydrogen to Europe, and the establishment of a technical secretariat to support the project's implementation.
Key points
- Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Austria, and Germany sign the Alger Declaration to cooperate on the SoutH2 Corridor project.
- The project aims to transport nearly 4 million tons of green hydrogen from Algeria to Europe annually by 2040.
- The declaration establishes a technical secretariat, supported by UNIDO, to facilitate the project's development.
