Tunisia has joined Algeria, Italy, Austria, and Germany in signing the Algerian Ministerial Declaration on the Southern Hydrogen Corridor, also known as SouthH2, on Thursday in Algiers. The declaration aims to support Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in the field of green hydrogen and enhance energy security. The signing ceremony took place after the second ministerial meeting of energy ministers from the partner countries.
The declaration provides for the establishment of a dedicated secretariat to provide technical support to the project, with the assistance of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. This will help coordinate efforts between partner countries and promote the development of a regional clean energy transmission system from North Africa to Europe.
Tunisian Minister of Equipment and Housing, charged with managing the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy, Salah Zwari, signed the declaration on behalf of Tunisia. He participated in the second ministerial meeting, which reviewed the partnership between the five partner countries and explored opportunities to enhance inter-country cooperation in the energy sector.
Zwari emphasized that the energy transition represents a strategic opportunity to build a new partnership between North African countries and their European partners. This partnership is based on balanced cooperation, mutual interest, integration, and joint investment, as well as the development of value chains. He also highlighted the challenges posed by climate change and structural transformations in the energy sector.
The minister noted that Tunisia adopts a pragmatic approach to energy transition, focusing on promoting investment in renewable energies and employing modern technologies, particularly green hydrogen and its derivatives. He stressed that energy transition projects are part of a comprehensive approach that takes into account environmental impacts, infrastructure, and national energy needs.
Zwari highlighted Tunisia's geographical location and its infrastructure capabilities in the energy sector, making it a natural partner in developing a regional clean energy transmission system between North Africa and Europe. He reaffirmed Tunisia's commitment to continuing dialogue with its Algerian and European partners to move from exchanging views to identifying economically viable and financeable projects.
The ministerial meeting and the signing of the declaration reflect the commitment of the partner countries to enhancing cooperation in the energy sector and promoting a secure and sustainable energy future for the region. The Southern Hydrogen Corridor project is expected to play a significant role in achieving this goal and supporting the development of a green hydrogen market in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Key points
- The Algerian Ministerial Declaration on the Southern Hydrogen Corridor aims to support Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in the field of green hydrogen and enhance energy security.
