Ideal starting point for a pioneering role in Europe
The initiative is based on the European Net Zero Industry Act. Through this, the EU supports regions that combine the expansion of renewable energy, industrial development and more efficient approval procedures.
Schleswig-Holstein has excellent conditions for this: a strong energy sector, a high level of expertise in renewable energy, modern infrastructure and high-performing companies across key value chains. In future, this potential is to be linked even more closely and further developed.
The initiative aims to promote the establishment and development of climate-friendly technologies, improve access to European funding programmes and strengthen the international profile of the region as a business location.
Broad alliance for the industrial location
Under the umbrella of the Net Zero Valley Initiative, business development agencies, chambers of commerce and industry, and other regional organisations are working closely together. This collaboration is driven by a shared ambition: to drive the transition to a climate-neutral economy in a coordinated, practical manner that transcends regional boundaries. The participating partners are contributing their experience, networks and specialist expertise to develop a compelling application and to provide strategic support for the development of Schleswig-Holstein as an industrial hub.
Investment lays the foundation
The partners are jointly providing funding for the application phase. This funding covers, amongst other things, project management, coordination, communication, event formats and technical support.
This investment forms the basis for the professional implementation of the next steps and creates the conditions necessary to pursue the shared objectives efficiently.
Clear leadership and central coordination
A joint steering group is responsible for the strategic direction of the initiative. It is accountable for key decisions and oversees the project’s further development.
Operational coordination for the Net Zero Valley application is the responsibility of Clean Energy Valley Schleswig-Holstein (CEV SH). As the central point of contact, the network ensures coordination between all stakeholders.
Next steps in the application process
The focus over the coming months will be on drafting and submitting the application to become a Net Zero Valley. At the same time, existing projects, locations and areas of expertise will be linked even more closely together in order to drive forward industrial development in the state in a targeted manner.
The collaboration now agreed upon forms the basis for this. It strengthens Schleswig-Holstein’s position in the European competitive landscape and opens up new prospects for innovation, investment and employment.
A signal for the economy, innovation and climate protection
With the Net Zero Valley initiative, Schleswig-Holstein is sending a clear signal about the link between economic development and climate protection. The close cooperation between the partners underlines the ambition to actively shape the industrial transformation and establish the region as a key player in Europe’s climate-neutral economy.
Schleswig-Holstein Net-Zero Valley Initiative
(Consortium of participating partners)
- Ostholstein Development Company mbH (EGOH)
- Westholstein Development Company mbH (EGW) for the district of Dithmarschen
- Westholstein Development Company mbH (EGW) for the district of Steinburg
- Heide Region Development Agency AöR
- Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce (represented by the Flensburg CCI, the Kiel CCI and the Lübeck CCI)
- Kiel Economic Development and Structural Development GmbH
- Stormarn Economic and Development Company mbH
- WEP Economic Development and Development Company of the District of Pinneberg mbH
- Economic Development Company of the District of Herzogtum Lauenburg mbH
- Rendsburg-Eckernförde District Economic Development Company mbH & Co. KG
- Neumünster Economic Agency GmbH
- Lübeck Economic Development Company GmbH
- North Frisia Economic Development Company mbH
- Segeberg District Economic Development Company mbH
- WT.SH Schleswig-Holstein Economic Development and Technology Transfer GmbH
- Flensburg/Schleswig Economic Development and Regional Development Company mbH (WIREG)
Contact person and further information:
KiWi, Kiel Economic Development and Structural Development GmbH
Yvonne Smith, Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications
Tel. 0431/2484-290, email: ysmith@kiwi-kiel.de
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 North Frisia, 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.
