Fortescue Future Industries just inked a multibillion-dollar green hydrogen deal in Germany. Here's the lowdown

FFI expects to replace around a third of the energy Germany imports from Russia by 2030.

| More on:
Two people shake hands making a deal about green energy.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • Fortescue Future Industries has entered a deal with German energy giant E.ON that will see it supply Europe with up to 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen each year
  • That's enough to replace around one third of the calorific energy Germany imports from Russia, reducing Germany's reliance on the energy-producing nation
  • Fortescue Metals shares entered a trading halt on the news, which was broken shortly after with clarification on the deal's cost, initially said to be in excess of US$50 billion

This morning, the Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price has exited a short-lived trading halt. The company was clarifying details around a deal made by its renewable energy arm, Fortescue Future Industries, to build a "hydrogen bridge" to Europe.

The deal will see Fortescue Future Industries supplying the continent with up to 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.

That's enough hydrogen to replace around a third of the calorific energy Germany imports from Russia.

Fortescue Metals' shares went on ice this morning, pending an announcement release. That announcement clarified details around the potential cost of the deal.

At the time of writing, the Fortescue Metals share price is $19.58, 0.46% higher than its previous close.

Let's take a closer look at today's news from the iron ore giant's hydrogen-focused green energy entity.

Fortescue Metals share price thawed on cost clarification

The Fortescue Metals share price was put in the freezer this morning amid news Fortescue Future Industries has entered a memorandum of understanding with E.ON to supply Europe with green hydrogen.

It was inked in Berlin by Fortescue Future Industries and E.ON. E.ON operates one of Europe's largest energy networks and infrastructure and provides energy to 50 million customers.

The agreement caused chaos on the market this morning, with Fortescue Metals entering a trading halt before clarifying the details of its projected cost.

Fortescue Metals and Fortescue Future Industries chair and founder Dr Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest initially told media the supply agreement will cost a minimum of US$50 billion (AU$66.6 billion).

In today's release to the ASX, the company stated:

The expenditure described is a high-level assessment by the chairman of what such a major
project may cost and is appropriate in the environment the statement was made to provide context
and scale of the potential of the [memorandum of understanding].

The company has made no commitment to the expenditure. What's more, any decision to spend that amount of cash would require approval from its board.

Fortescue Metals also said that, on top of its commitment to spend 10% of its net profits after tax (NPAT) on its green energy leg, it's working with financiers to confirm project funding for green energy.

More details on Fortescue Future Industries' 'milestone' deal

Fortescue Future Industries and E.ON will take to the books before the metaphorical shovel breaks any ground. They've agreed to research how to supply the renewable energy commodity as fast as possible.

Both have their sights on creating a 5 million tonne-per-annum green hydrogen supply chain.

E.ON CEO Leo Birnbaum said the partnership is a "milestone" in Europe's energy transition.  

"Two major international companies are joining forces to build a 'hydrogen bridge' from Australia to Germany and the Netherlands, based on shared values and the joint capability of realising the scale of such a project," said Birnbaum.

That "hydrogen bridge" will also help steer Europe away from its reliance on Russian energy fuel, said Forrest.

Fortescue Future Industries expects Australia will be the birthplace of much of Europe's future green hydrogen. FFI's other global projects will also have a role in the commodity's production.

E.ON will then distribute the energy commodity across Europe. There, it will help to decarbonise thousands of enterprises in Germany and the Netherlands, as well as other European cities and communities supplied by E.ON.

According to Fortescue Metals CEO Elizabeth Gaines, the deal is a "decisive step forward in FFI's journey to become one of the world's largest green energy producers."

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Energy Shares

An oil worker in front of a pumpjack using a tablet.
Energy Shares

Top 5 ASX 200 energy shares of FY25 amid a challenging year for sector

The energy sector was the weakest of the 11 market sectors in FY25.

Read more »

An oil worker on a tablet with an oil rig in the background.
Energy Shares

Buying Woodside shares? Here's the latest oil price forecast from Goldman Sachs

Here’s what Goldman Sachs is forecasting for the oil price in the year ahead.

Read more »

Natural gas plant engineer using a laptop.
Energy Shares

Santos share price pushes higher amid big Asian news

ASX investors are bidding up Santos shares on Friday.

Read more »

a man and his small son crouch in a green field under a beautiful sunset sky looking at renewable, wind generators for energy production.
Energy Shares

Non-oil energy investments are on the rise: Here are 2 to consider

Australian investors are turning their attention to non-oil energy stocks poised for growth.

Read more »

Oil rig worker standing with a clipboard.
Energy Shares

How much upside does Macquarie tip for Woodside shares?

With shares up 23% since April, here’s Macquarie’s 12-month forecast for the Woodside share price.

Read more »

A male oil and gas mechanic wearing a white hardhat walks along a steel platform above a series of gas pipes in a gas plant.
Energy Shares

Should I buy Santos shares today amid the ongoing $30 billion takeover offer?

With the $30 billion Santos takeover offer not yet finalised, should you buy shares right now?

Read more »

Workers inspecting a gas pipeline.
Broker Notes

What's Macquarie's price target for Origin Energy shares?

Could Origin be primed for a turnaround?

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

With an 8% dividend yield, should I buy Woodside shares for their passive income?

A leading expert offers his take on Woodside shares and the passive income on offer.

Read more »