SYDNEY, SEPTEMBER 28 - Germany relies on hydrogen from Australia, produced without CO2 emissions through renewable energy, to decarbonize its heavy industry and comply with the Paris climate agreement. The goal is to achieve zero emissions by 2050, chancellor Angela Merkel announced. The two countries have signed a contract for a joint feasibility study to define this partnership's scope. Research Minister Anja Karliczek told Australian newspapers Sydney Morning Herald and The Age of Melbourne that Germany can seize "a historic opportunity" to purchase hydrogen produced in Australia, thanks to that country's extensive solar and wind power plants. And to ship it in liquefied form to the Northern Hemisphere, using a reconfigured fleet made up of environmentally friendly tankers. Nearly € 10 bn from Germany's coronavirus recovery package are earmarked for developing a domestic hydrogen industry and creating international supply chains. According to Australia's Clean Energy Finance Corporation, hydrogen can bring about the "profound decarbonization of sectors that are remarkably difficult to break down," particularly in the manufacturing industry. And hydrogen has been included as a priority by the Australian government in its post-Covid technology investment plans. (ANSA).