The whole of Schleswig-Holstein wants to become a model region
Application to be a Net Zero Valley is in full swing
Continuing on its exemplary path: Schleswig-Holstein is applying to become a Net Zero Valley, aiming to secure numerous opportunities and advantages as a model region. The starting signal has been given, and the Energieküste is a key focus as a future hub for renewable energy, innovation and skilled workers.
The Net Zero Valley conference in Neumünster on 24th April 2026 marked the well-attended launch of the state-wide initiative. Following this, business, academia, local authorities and regional stakeholders across Schleswig-Holstein were called upon to actively contribute to Net Zero Valley Schleswig-Holstein.
Over 400 people here – pragmatic, calm, goal-oriented. That is how we in Schleswig-Holstein are driving the energy transition.
Why it pays to be an NZV
Desirable achievements such as renewables, climate neutrality and innovation are rewarded. As an NZV, companies, for example, benefit from fast-track procedures, preferential access to EU funding and excellent conditions for forward-looking projects. Districts and local authorities, for example, receive impetus for infrastructure investments and business relocation. And research and educational institutions gain reliable points of contact for application-oriented, innovative projects with opportunities for funding. Find out more here.
Around 300 projects for the application
To support Schleswig-Holstein, stakeholders were invited to fill in an online form with details of their sustainable projects, ideas and technologies by 10 April 2026. This allows the application to highlight the numerous projects and strong networks that make Schleswig-Holstein a hotspot for net-zero technologies. The response was huge: almost 300 questionnaires were received from industry, research, educational institutions, local authorities and business development agencies! The next step is to draw up the structure for the Net Zero application.
Making Europe strong and independent
The European Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) | BMWE forms the basis for the Net Zero Valleys, which are to be established across the European Union. It came into force on 29th June 2024 as a directly applicable EU regulation.
The Net Zero Industry Act and the Net Zero Valleys are the strategic response to the fundamental question of how Europe can achieve climate neutrality whilst simultaneously improving its competitiveness.
The Energieküste as the heart
The West Coast Regional Cooperation is actively supporting the application process for the Net Zero Valley Schleswig-Holstein. The aim of the districts of Nordfriesland, Dithmarschen, Steinburg and Pinneberg, which have joined together to form the West Coast Regional Cooperation, along with their economic development agencies and the Flensburg and Kiel Chambers of Commerce and Industry, is to strengthen the existing economy, attract new businesses and establish a distinctive image for the region as a business location.
Their umbrella brand and platform Energieküste, launched in 2020, will be a fundamental component of the Net Zero Valley Schleswig-Holstein model region as a pioneering region for renewable energy in Germany.
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