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Launch of ‘Net Zero Valley Schleswig-Holstein’
Yesterday’s Net Zero Valley Conference in Schleswig-Holstein marked the official launch of a state-wide initiative aimed at making Schleswig-Holstein a European model region for climate-neutral industrial and infrastructure development.
Around 400 participants from the business sector, science, local authorities and state politics gathered at the Holstenhallen in Neumünster to discuss opportunities, prospects and specific project ideas for a “Net Zero Valley Schleswig-Holstein”.
The event was organised by the NZV SH Initiative – backed by the state’s regional economic development agencies, WT.SH and the SH Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Schleswig-Holstein could serve as a model for the whole of Europe
In his opening remarks, Tobias Goldschmidt, Minister for the Energy Transition, emphasised the strategic importance of the project.
The Net Zero Valley initiative represents 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 participatory project.
Tobias Goldschmidt
Minister for the Energy Transition, Schleswig-Holstein
The Minister for Economic Affairs, Claus Ruhe Madsen, also highlighted the benefits for the region’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 to attract technologies and industries that make us self-sufficient and bring us added value and jobs. This is precisely where Net Zero Valleys come in: they aim to facilitate and promote such developments through the rapid and coordinated creation of commercial land – which is why we, as the state government, expressly support the application for the Net Zero Valley Initiative Schleswig-Holstein.
Claus Ruhe Madsen
Minister for Economic Affairs of Schleswig-Holstein
Europe needs model regions like Schleswig-Holstein
In the subsequent keynote address, Prof. Dr Klaus-Dieter Borchardt, an EU expert and long-standing authority on European energy policy, highlighted the project’s significance for the continent.
Europe is in the midst of an industrial transformation. This requires 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.
Prof. Dr. Klaus-Dieter Borchardt
EU expert
Panel discussion and project outlook
In the panel discussion that followed, representatives from politics, industry, research and local business development discussed how to speed up approval procedures, strengthen innovation processes and implement industrial decarbonisation 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 importance of the upcoming application process.
A Net Zero Valley is not an abstract concept – it offers real benefits for businesses and local authorities. We create opportunities for projects and the development of key technologies so that they can be implemented quickly, and we pool our resources under a clear strategic direction. Every project idea and every contribution from the region brings us one step closer to a successful bid.
Steffen Volk
Project Manager, Clean Energy Valley Schleswig-Holstein
Projects sought for Net Zero Valley
Using the NZV profile provided, businesses, universities, research institutions and local authorities can submit their own projects that contribute to the transition towards climate neutrality.
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 conditions for businesses. The result is an area where green energy lays the foundation 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 local authorities, 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.
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