Algeria + Italy’s Zhero on renewables and green hydrogen: A delegation from Italy’s Zhero met with Algeria’s Energy Minister Mohammed Arkab to explore cooperation in solar energy and green hydrogen production, according to a statement. Zhero agreed to form a committee to facilitate knowledge transfer between the two sides and explore the viability of establishing an interconnector between Algeria and Italy for the transport of clean power to the EU, the statement notes.

REMEMBER- Algeria was recently axed by Spain from the European Hydrogen Backbone, which aims to transport green hydrogen from North Africa to Europe. Despite diplomatic tensions with Madrid, Algeria is exploring a separate hydrogen interconnector to the EU with Italy.

Not Zhero’s first rodeo in North Africa: The UK firm — co-founded by former Acwa Power executive Paddy Padmanathan — began work last month on two green hydrogen plants in Northern and Southern Africa. The two plants will have an annual production volume between 100-200k, Padmanathan said in October without disclosing the exact locations.