Around 400 participants from industry, academia, local authorities and state politics gathered at the Holstenhallen in Neumünster to discuss opportunities, prospects and concrete project ideas for a ‘Net Zero Valley Schleswig-Holstein’.
The event was organised by the NZV SH Initiative – behind which are the state’s regional economic development agencies, WT.SH and the IHK SH.
Schleswig-Holstein can become a role model for the whole of Europe
In his welcoming address, Energy Transition Minister Tobias Goldschmidt emphasised the strategic importance of the project: ‘The initiative for a Net Zero Valley is a major opportunity for Schleswig-Holstein, a climate-neutral industrial state. Schleswig-Holstein is on its way to becoming a model region for climate-neutral industrial and infrastructure development. We have the green electricity from which industry can benefit. Europe’s and Germany’s competitiveness depend on us consistently pursuing the path to climate neutrality. The energy crisis in Iran reminds us once again that the energy transition is also a project of security policy prudence and economic resilience. The future belongs to renewable energies. We are seizing the opportunities presented by the energy transition. That is why, as a state, we are supporting the Net Zero Valley here in Schleswig-Holstein. The huge interest in this launch conference shows just how much the energy transition in Schleswig-Holstein is a widely supported participation project.’
Economics Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen also highlighted the added value for the state’s economy: ‘It is not only the current global situation that shows we need a strong Europe, a strong Germany and, of course, a strong Schleswig-Holstein. To achieve this, we need the establishment of technologies and industries that make us independent, that bring us added value and jobs. Net Zero Valleys address precisely this: they aim to facilitate and promote such establishments through the rapid and concerted creation of commercial space – which is why we, as the state government, expressly support the application of the Net Zero Valley Initiative Schleswig-Holstein.’
Europe needs model regions like Schleswig-Holstein
In the subsequent keynote speech, Prof Dr Klaus-Dieter Borchardt, an EU expert and long-standing authority on European energy policy, highlighted the project’s relevance for the continent: ‘Europe is in the midst of an industrial transformation. To achieve this, we need regions that demonstrate how climate-neutral value creation can work in practice. Schleswig-Holstein has the potential to become such a model region – with short supply chains, clear priorities and the necessary determination to break new ground.’
Panel discussion and project outlook
In the subsequent panel discussion, representatives from politics, industry, research and municipal economic development discussed how approval procedures can be accelerated, innovation processes strengthened and industrial decarbonisation implemented in an economically viable manner.
It became clear that a Net Zero Valley Schleswig-Holstein offers the opportunity to strategically link local strengths – from hydrogen technologies and energy infrastructure to applied research.
Creating space for projects
In conclusion, Steffen Volk, Project Manager for Clean Energy Valley Schleswig-Holstein, highlighted the significance of the upcoming application process: ‘A Net Zero Valley is not an abstract concept – it is a real advantage for businesses and municipalities. We are creating space for projects and the production of key technologies so that they can be implemented quickly, and we are pooling our resources under a clear strategic direction. Every project idea, every contribution from the region brings us one step closer to a successful application.’
Projects sought for the Net Zero Valley
Using the NZV profile provided, companies, universities, research institutions and local authorities can submit their own projects that contribute to the transition towards climate neutrality. Download the profile.
What is a Net Zero Valley?
A Net Zero Valley is a model region for net-zero technologies, in which climate-neutral industry, renewable energy, innovation and modern infrastructure are closely interlinked. These regions benefit from faster approval procedures, prioritised access to EU funding and optimal framework conditions for businesses. The result is a space in which green energy creates the basis for new industrial value creation. The Clean Energy Valley Schleswig-Holstein initiative has called for the Net Zero Valley Conference Schleswig-Holstein and represents a new dynamic in the North German energy landscape. As of today, strategic cooperation between municipalities, business development agencies and regional stakeholders is being further strengthened – with the aim of actively shaping the energy transition and creating sustainable structures. Clean Energy Valley Schleswig-Holstein sees itself as a growing alliance that focuses on cooperation and shared responsibility.
