PowerNet 2026
‘We need companies that need renewables’
Energieküste at the PowerNet 2026 energy transition conference
‘I am glad to live in the number one energy transition state,’ said Prof Dr Frank Osterwald, Managing Director of EKSH - Schleswig-Holstein Energy and Climate Protection Agency, in his welcome speech at PowerNet 2026. This sentiment was shared by most of the 600 participants from politics, business and science who came to the Holstenhallen Neumünster on 3rd February 2026 to promote the energy transition.
We are pioneers in the north and will continue to pursue this path consistently in Schleswig-Holstein.
Not everything has changed for the better since the last PowerNet in 2024, said Daniel Günter, Minister President of Schleswig-Holstein, in the couch discussion ‘Window to the future – A look at 2040’. Trump is changing a lot. But as usual, Günter is positive: ‘We must not be daunted by a few setbacks.’ The goal is to remain and become an industrialised country. With regard to the automotive industry, he sees a need for action in building a battery storage production facility in Europe – preferably in Heide. There is also much to be done in terms of the heating transition if climate neutrality is to be achieved. ‘It is extremely ambitious to achieve this in 14 years.’
How can transformation work without clear framework conditions in Germany and Europe?
Transformation needs momentum
Julia Bläsius, Director of Agora Energiewende Germany, stated in her presentation on the status quo of the energy transition: ‘Germany is losing momentum in climate protection. There is a lack of dynamic transformation!’ In the subsequent panel discussion, Minister Tobias Goldschmidt, MEKUN, addressed the issue: ‘We need to turn a new page; we need companies that need renewables.’
Hydrogen, heat transition, CCS, storage, sector coupling – the energy transition conference offered exciting sessions on a wide variety of topics. The shortage of skilled workers was also discussed. STEM experts are in particular demand, so the guests were equally enthusiastic about the Science Slam presentations: current science in less than ten minutes, packaged in exciting and vivid presentations. The slam was particularly interesting for the Energieküste in relation to its skilled worker campaign, ready.charged.career!.
Three ministries, one goal
PowerNet concluded with a highlight: Energy Transition Minister Tobias Goldschmidt, Economics Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen and State Secretary Guido Wendt provided input and participated in a panel discussion. The guiding principle: working together to develop solutions and exploit potential for a sustainable, climate-neutral Schleswig-Holstein.
Energy policy is democracy policy.
Schleswig-Holstein collects 120 million in trade tax annually from renewable energies, according to Goldschmidt. ‘How do we remain Team Energy Transition and how do we get everyone on board?’ Claus Ruhe Madsen, Minister MWVATT: ‘We have to come up with solutions; there are curious, courageous pioneers, both past and present.’
In Schleswig-Holstein, you meet farmers who have become energy magnates. They are pragmatic and always innovative.
No transition without hands.
‘Schleswig-Holstein is a real-world laboratory, with its energy transition and the state's universities and technical colleges,’ said Goldschmidt. There are 35 degree programmes aimed at working in the energy transition. ‘Young people should come to the north.’
Cooperation drives progress
As a partner of PowerNet 2026, Energieküste was naturally on site, networking on the subject of the energy transition in the north. The Gesellschaft für Energie und Klimaschutz Schleswig-Holstein GmbH (EKSH) created the cross-sector event together with a strong network of partners.
Related Links
> Homepage PowerNet 2026
> Information from the state of Schleswig-Holstein on PowerNet 2026
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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