The energy transition needs space: Clean Energy Valley Schleswig-Holstein develops a strategy for the future of a key economic region

Clean Energy Valley Schleswig-Holstein (CEV SH) has begun implementing a pioneering project for the future development of the energy transition region between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The focus is on drawing up a Strategic Regional Development Concept (SREK), which is intended to coordinate and provide targeted support for the region’s economic and spatial development in the long term. The project is funded under the federal programme ‘RegioStrat – Funding for Strategic Regional Development Concepts’ and will run until the end of October 2028.

The project region comprises the state capital Kiel, the district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde, the city of Neumünster and the Heide region. Together, the partners involved aim to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the energy transition and create a coordinated framework for the development of commercial and industrial sites, energy infrastructure and regional value creation.

The energy transition is already transforming Schleswig-Holstein today. The expansion of renewable energies, new hydrogen projects and increasing demands on electricity grids and infrastructure are creating new prospects for the economy and employment. At the same time, new challenges are arising in terms of land use planning, transport, the recruitment of skilled workers and local planning. This is precisely where the Strategic Regional Development Concept comes in.

The aim of the project is to further develop existing and potential commercial sites in a regionally coordinated manner and to assess their suitability for various economic uses. Factors taken into account include energy supply, infrastructure connections, land availability, environmental aspects, the potential for skilled labour and regional planning requirements. The concept is also intended to identify conflicting objectives at an early stage and provide concrete recommendations for action for policymakers, public authorities and the business community.

“With the launch of the Strategic Regional Development Concept, Clean Energy Valley Schleswig-Holstein is creating a shared framework for economic development along the energy and infrastructure corridors between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Together with regional business development agencies, specialist and planning bodies, and partners from industry, the energy sector and academia, the aim is to assess the region’s potential, address land-use conflicts at an early stage and prepare concrete projects for sustainable regional value creation,” said project manager Steffen Volk from Clean Energy Valley SH.

A key component of the project is the close involvement of regional stakeholders. Numerous institutions had already signalled their support during the application phase.

The network includes, amongst others, representatives from state and regional planning, business development, the energy and water sectors, chambers of commerce, associations and other specialist institutions. Through workshops, interviews, regular round-table discussions and a regional conference, their experiences and perspectives are to be continuously incorporated into the concept development.

The project partners are currently in the analysis and preparation phase, working alongside the commissioned consultancy firm (Büro Gertz Gutsche Rümenapp, Urban Development and Mobility, GGR). In addition to collating existing data and concepts, regional development contexts are being examined and participation formats prepared for the upcoming project phases. Klaas Fröhlich from the CEV team is responsible for project coordination.

Over the next few years, this work is set to result in a strategic spatial vision, concrete development objectives, and prioritised measures and implementation projects. The final Strategic Regional Development Concept will be available in 2028 and will form an important basis for the further development of the Clean Energy Valley Schleswig-Holstein.