French hydrogen companies visit Energieküste
The hydrogen delegation from France networked with experts on the west coast and was inspired by pioneering projects from Schleswig-Holstein.
Welcome to the Energieküste! On 21st October, the German pioneering region for the energy transition received a visit from a delegation from France. Seven French companies from the hydrogen industry accepted the invitation from Business France, bpifrance, the Energieküste and the State Coordination Centre Hydrogen Economy SH - among other things with the aim of expanding the state's own network with experienced Schleswig-Holstein players in the hydrogen economy. It was only in December 2023 that the French government published a new version of the national strategy for the development of decarbonised hydrogen, which is intended to support France in phasing out fossil fuels.
Hydrogen tour through the ChemCoast Park
The organisers and Brunsbüttel's mayor Michael Kunkowski welcomed the French hydrogen delegation at the introductory get-together in the Elbeforum of the ChemCoast Park Brunsbüttel. The first stop was deliberately the ChemCoast Park, as the largest industrial area in Schleswig-Holstein is both an important German energy hub and a hotspot for the energy transition. In the upstream Elbe harbour, a floating LNG terminal makes a significant contribution to energy security in the state. The guests from France listened with great interest to a presentation by Dr Frank Laurich from German LNG Terminal GmbH, who reported on the planning and construction of the terminal. The hosts and guests then set off on a site tour of the ChemCoast Park, which led from the LNG terminal along YARA, Covestro, TotalEnergies and Bioenergie Brunsbüttel to the hydrogen refuelling station. The refuelling station is supplied by Schleswig-Holstein's largest H2 electrolyser to date.
Fuelling the future in Neumünster
From Brunsbüttel, the hydrogen delegation headed for Neumünster to visit another prime example of a future-orientated hydrogen economy: A hydrogen filling station where cars and lorries can refuel in a climate-friendly way. The refuelling station is operated by Hypion GmbH, a joint venture between Entwicklungsagentur Region Heide AöR, EDF Deutschland GmbH, IPP Projects GmbH and Hansewerk AG. Hypion aims to contribute to decarbonisation and defossilisation by establishing an integrated green hydrogen economy.
Broadening horizons: Networking dinner at the Old Steelwork
An evening networking dinner at the Old Steelwork in Neumünster provided space for dialogue and discussion. Joschka Knuth, State Secretary for Energy Transition and Climate Protection in Schleswig-Holstein, took the opportunity to welcome the French guests in person.
In addition to Joschka Knuth, around 35 other decision-makers and visionaries with hydrogen expertise attended the dinner, engaged in lively discussions with the visitors, networked and explored opportunities for cooperation. The delegation trip was a complete success for everyone involved and a further step towards a partnership-based relationship with our neighbouring country. The French entrepreneurs then travelled back to Hamburg. The Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe will take place here on 23rd and 24th October.