Signing of the Algiers Ministerial Declaration on the SoutH2 Corridor Project

Photo: CNI

Diplomatic Correspondent: The Energy Ministers of Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Austria, and Germany signed today, Thursday, in Algiers, the Algiers Ministerial Declaration on the South Hydrogen Corridor project. The declaration primarily provides for the establishment of a dedicated secretariat for technical support to the project with the assistance of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and highlights the strategic importance of the project as a lever for regional and Euro-Mediterranean integration in the field of green energy.             

The declaration was signed at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Centre (CIC) by the Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal; the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism of the Republic of Austria, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer; the Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin; the State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Frank Wenzel; and the Tunisian Minister of Equipment and Housing in charge of managing the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, Slah Zouari. 

The document emphasizes the strategic importance of the South Hydrogen Corridor initiative as a driver for regional integration and energy cooperation, renewing a shared commitment to strengthening regional and Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in the field of green hydrogen. 

The SoutH2 Corridor project aims to transport 4 million tons of green hydrogen annually from Algeria to the three European countries across a 3,000 km pipeline—a volume representing approximately 10% of Europe's projected demand for clean fuel by 2040. 

The declaration also underscores the importance of political backing for the continued development and ultimate success of the South Hydrogen Corridor through the establishment of a regular, structured dialogue among partner nations. 

The signatories expressed their full commitment to working together to develop a fruitful cross-Mediterranean energy partnership and to contribute to the growth and prosperity of mutual economic relations. 

The second ministerial meeting opened in the presence of the Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab; the Minister of Industry, Farid Kourtel; alongside ambassadors of the countries involved in the green hydrogen project and representatives of participating corporations. 

It is worth noting that foundational work on the project commenced in October 2024, when Sonatrach and Sonelgaz signed a memorandum of understanding in Oran with VNG (Germany), Snam and SeaCorridor (Italy), and Verbund Green Hydrogen (Austria) to execute necessary studies assessing the feasibility and profitability of an integrated project to produce green hydrogen in Algeria for export to Europe. 

This trajectory was further reinforced during the visit of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to Germany last July, where Sonatrach signed two protocols of agreement with Robert Bosch and Siemens Energy to boost cooperation in the energy transition, including electrolyzer manufacturing, hydrogen production, equipment maintenance and repair, and specialized training. 

The first ministerial meeting of energy ministers involved in the project was held in Rome in January 2025, culminating in the signature of a joint declaration of political intent regarding the strategic infrastructure, wherein signatories affirmed their intent to strengthen cooperation through a joint five-party working group.