Germany is looking to strengthen its renewable energy partnership with India, including the potential purchase of green hydrogen produced in India, according to Georg Enzweiler, Chargé d’Affaires of the German Mission in India. Enzweiler said India has the natural resources and business environment needed to develop renewable energy at scale. Germany, meanwhile, could contribute its technological and industrial expertise to expand cooperation in the sector.
Germany Sees India as Green Hydrogen Supplier
Germany is interested in purchasing green hydrogen from India to meet part of its domestic energy requirements and reduce its dependence on fossil fuel imports. “India has the resources to produce green hydrogen which we could buy to cover our energy needs back home and not be dependent on procuring fossil fuels,” Enzweiler said. The potential trade could therefore create a new avenue for India’s green hydrogen exports, while helping Germany diversify its clean energy supply.
India’s Renewable Energy Potential Attracts Germany
According to Enzweiler, India has significant potential for renewable energy generation, particularly through solar and wind power. He also highlighted the country’s dynamic and innovation-oriented business environment. Consequently, Germany sees opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in renewable energy. German companies could bring their technology, industrial expertise and experience to support India’s expanding clean energy ecosystem. At the same time, India could export the renewable energy produced, creating an attractive commercial model for both countries.
Technology Cooperation Could Support Energy Transition
Germany also sees scope for greater technology cooperation as India advances its efforts towards self-reliance. Responding to a question about the long-term indigenisation of German technologies in India, Enzweiler said such cooperation would remain viable, particularly with the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the horizon. “We expect a big push on energy and renewables but also on the wider economy for both Europe and India [with the FTA],” he said. The agreement could consequently facilitate greater technology transfer, investment and trade between the two markets.
Automobile, Machinery and Chemical Sectors in Focus
Germany’s interest extends beyond renewable energy. Enzweiler identified the automobile, machinery and chemical industries as important areas for bilateral economic cooperation. However, he noted that Germany’s economy is supported not only by large corporations but also by its small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Reducing tariffs through the proposed FTA could make it easier for these companies to expand their business activities in India. Lower trade barriers could also benefit Indian companies by creating greater opportunities to invest in, trade with and export to European markets.
Green Hydrogen Could Strengthen India-Germany Ties
The potential green hydrogen trade, combined with cooperation in renewable energy, technology and industrial sectors, could further strengthen India-Germany economic relations. For India, expanding green hydrogen production and exports could open new international markets, while Germany could gain access to a potential source of clean energy. As reported by thehindu.com, deeper technology and trade cooperation could create additional opportunities across the broader industrial economy.
