Strategic Energy Alliance: German Chancellor Meets with ADNOC Leadership to Deepen Ties

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Bolsters Strategic Energy Alliance at ADNOC HQ

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the headquarters of ADNOC during his official trip to the UAE, marking a pivotal moment in the deepening strategic and industrial partnership between the two nations. The visit, hosted by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, focused on energy security, massive industrial investments, and the integration of AI in the energy sector.

The high-level meeting underscores the UAE's role as a cornerstone of Germany’s energy diversification strategy, particularly through liquefied natural gas (LNG) and sustainable industrial materials.

Strengthening the Industrial Backbone: XRG & Covestro

A major highlight of the visit was the discussion surrounding XRG (ADNOC’s international investment arm) and its €14.7 billion investment into Covestro, a German leader in high-quality polymers.

• This follows the successful voluntary takeover completed in December 2025.

• The partnership aims to secure Covestro’s long-term growth as a German industrial champion while expanding ADNOC’s global footprint.

Securing Germany’s Energy Future: New LNG Agreements

Chancellor Merz was briefed on ADNOC’s expanding capacity to meet Germany's rising energy demands through several key channels:

• Ruwais LNG Project: ADNOC has already secured offtake agreements for 1.6 mtpa with German firms.

• New Strategic Partnership: ADNOC and RWE Supply & Trading signed an agreement to explore a 10-year supply deal for up to 1 mtpa of LNG.

• Legacy Supplies: ADNOC continues to deliver 0.7 mtpa to German customers from existing facilities until Ruwais becomes operational.

• Immediate Impact: Following a 2023 milestone—the first Middle East LNG cargo to Germany—ADNOC Gas recently signed a $400 million deal with Germany’s SEFE for deliveries starting this year.

Expanding the Portfolio: Green Energy & Ammonia

The visit served as a platform for multiple strategic MoUs aimed at future-proofing the partnership:

• Battery Storage: Masdar and RWE will collaborate on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) within Germany.

• Sustainable Materials: A new MoU between Covestro, Fertiglobe, and TA’ZIZ will explore cooperation in ammonia and high-tech sustainable materials.

Innovation at the Core: AI and Digital Command

Chancellor Merz toured ADNOC’s Panorama Digital Command Center and its AI Lab. The delegation witnessed firsthand how ADNOC:

1. Integrates AI from the control room to the boardroom to maximize efficiency.

2. Maximizes Value through real-time data analysis across its entire value chain.

3. Drives Digital Transformation to maintain a competitive edge in the global energy market.

“The Chancellor’s visit has provided a platform to unlock new opportunities... across energy, industry, AI, and advanced technology,” stated Dr. Al Jaber, reaffirming a relationship built on "trust, mutual respect, and delivery."

This visit follows Dr. Al Jaber’s own working visit to Germany in October 2025, signaling a continuous, high-speed evolution of the UAE-Germany bilateral bond.