There are now 228 large-scale projects for a combined $300 billion of proposed investment through to 2030

"Nuclear power should be right at the heart of green hydrogen production, alongside renewable technology.

“This development of low carbon and renewable hydrogen will accelerate the construction of new hydrogen infrastructure and the repurposing of current natural gas infrastructure, thus paving the way for net zero in 2050,” Engie and Equinor said in a statement.

One of the key mitigation measures is development of adequate energy storage capacity in India.

Germany's position is that Nord Stream 2 is a commercial project. However, Merkel expanded on her description of the pipeline, which she said she discussed openly with Macron.

Reports this week in the German press suggested the administration of new US President Joe Biden would be open to direct negotiations with Germany over the pipeline.

The evolution to a more digital and carbon-free grid and industry will continue.

In most locations, however, green hydrogen is still two to three times more expensive than blue hydrogen.

Germany needs to meet a target of renewable energy sources contributing at least 65% of power output in 2030 as part of the country’s overall goal to cut CO2 emissions by at least 55% compared with 1990 levels by that date.

Existing nuclear technology could already produce hydrogen at below USD2 per kg, and a new generation of advanced small modular reactors could achieve the 90 cents per kg target price potentially by 2030.