“Reliable Democracy”
Olaf Scholz traveled to Canada for a three day visit, using Montreal as a focal point to outline potential negotiations with Ottawa on securing key raw materials in exchange for support tied to Russia. Scholz highlighted shared values and resources, noting that Canada offers mineral wealth similar to Russia but within a stable, democratic framework. He framed new cooperation as an opportunity to build an economy oriented toward green hydrogen and sustainable energy, speaking to the German press about expanded collaboration. (DPA reports the exchange of remarks.)
During the Chancellor’s visit, discussions were slated for a bilateral cooperation deal in green hydrogen production and transport. The conversations also anticipated arrangements for Canada to supply liquefied natural gas to Germany, alongside essential minerals such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, and graphite. (CBS News summarizes the trip’s agenda.)
Canadian coverage noted the presence of key German energy leadership, including the vice-chancellor for energy and the economy and climate minister. Ottawa’s statement emphasized that the visit would push forward shared priorities, including steadfast support for Ukraine, sustaining peace and security worldwide, and addressing broader consequences of Russia’s invasion. (Trudeau’s office commentary cited by CBS News.)
Ukraine voiced concerns about Canada’s alignment with Germany’s stance on sanctions relief for an interrupted turbine tied to Nord Stream 1, currently undergoing repairs at a Siemens facility. Although the turbine has remained in Germany and gas flows have been reduced, Russian authorities have not removed the equipment. Gazprom announced maintenance closures affecting gas transit at the end of August. (Bloomberg coverage on the gas supply outlook.)
In mid-summer, Klaus Müller, head of Germany’s Federal Network Agency, indicated that a complete Russian gas cut could leave Germany with enough supply for roughly two to two and a half months, underscoring the vulnerability of European energy security. (Industry sector commentary from Bloomberg.)
Zero Emission Facility
CBS News reported that Scholz and Trudeau planned to discuss energy security and the transition to clean energy with an emphasis on reliable access to clean hydrogen and critical minerals. (Prime Minister’s Office briefing cited by CBS News.)
In Stevenville, Canada, leaders were poised to sign an agreement setting firm deadlines and targets for hydrogen exports to Germany. Some analysts warned that the deal would represent only a fraction of a broader solution to Europe’s energy challenges. (Market analysis referenced by CBS News.)
A consortium of four World Energy GH2 partners announced plans to develop a zero-emissions facility near Newfoundland that would use wind power to produce hydrogen and ammonia for export. If approved, the project could become Canada’s first large-scale hydrogen initiative, with the initial phase calling for up to 164 wind turbines powering a deep-water port facility. Long-term plans foresee expanding the installation substantially. (Project brief from World Energy GH2 co‑founders.)
The piece noted that Scholz had already received broad support from Ukrainian Naftogaz over Canada’s gas utilization strategy to reduce Kyiv’s dependence on Russian fuel. Canada’s own export capacity and its position as a global gas producer present logistical hurdles for redirecting supplies solely to Europe, a point echoed in Politico’s analysis. (Statements summarized from policy coverage.)
Post-meeting, Scholz and Trudeau were expected to visit multiple Canadian provinces, tour companies involved in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, and conclude their trip with dinner in Toronto to engage business leaders and investors. The German delegation reportedly included executives from Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. (Event schedule notes from the reporting end.)