Successful Debut: North German Hydrogen Conference in Cuxhaven
Cuxhaven was the venue for the first "North German Hydrogen Conference" yesterday, which brought together more than 200 participants in the HAPAG halls. The event, initiated by renowned organisations such as the Cuxhaven Business Development Agency and the Renewable Energy Hamburg Cluster (EEHH), served as an opportunity to discuss the outstanding importance of the coastal states for the upswing of the German hydrogen economy.
Important Discourse on the Hydrogen Economy in Northern Germany
In an intensive dialogue between representatives of the energy and port industries and government representatives from the five northern German coastal states, the conference not only discussed the strategic importance of the north for green hydrogen production, but also gained in-depth insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Lower Saxony's Economics Minister Olaf Lies (SPD) and Cuxhaven's Lord Mayor Uwe Santjer (SPD) were among those involved in the exchange. The discussion covered the entire value chain, from the sustainable production of green hydrogen to its integration into existing industrial processes.
Particular attention was paid to the regional infrastructure and storage options. The experts discussed innovative technologies that make it possible to efficiently store surplus green energy in underground salt caverns. These storage solutions were emphasised as crucial building blocks for the flexible use of renewable energy sources, especially in times when demand for green hydrogen fluctuates.
Another focus was on the central role of seaports with regard to the import of green energy sources and fuels and their distribution in a regional context. The discussion made it clear that the ports not only serve as an interface for imports, but also act as important hubs for supplying the energy-intensive industry in the hinterland. The development of innovative logistics solutions and the optimisation of port infrastructure were highlighted as key components for the sustainable integration of green energy sources into the regional economy.
The North German Coastal Region as the Key to the Hydrogen Economy
The organisers emphasised that the coastal region holds the key to a successful ramp-up of the hydrogen economy. The availability of green electricity from wind farms on land and at sea means that the region is predestined for the production of hydrogen. The surplus energy could also be stored in underground salt caverns. The seaports play a central role by providing green energy sources for the region's energy-intensive industry.
Additionally, the conference presented a varied programme with informative presentations and panels. In particular, the political panel "Cooperation instead of competition" emphasised the need for intensive cooperation in order to accelerate the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy in the North. Other topics such as "Ports and imports", "Offshore wind and hydrogen" and "Green electricity from the region for green hydrogen" emphasised northern Germany's key role in the energy transition. We would like to thank you for the stimulating input and look forward to the further developments of the exchange.
