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Net Zero Valley Schleswig-Holstein Lenkungsausschuss
InnovationIndustry & Manufacturing
August 26, 2026
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Schleswig-Holstein is joining forces to support Europe’s climate-neutral industry of the future

A nationwide initiative is driving forward the positioning of the region as the ‘Net Zero Valley’

Schleswig-Holstein aims to play a leading role in the transition to a climate-neutral industry: by signing a joint cooperation agreement last Friday, 16 business development agencies, chambers of commerce and other institutions in the state have laid the foundations for their bid to become the European ‘Net Zero Valley’.

For the first time, the partners are pooling their efforts in a state-wide alliance to position Schleswig-Holstein as a model region for climate-neutral industry at European level. The aim is to highlight the state’s strengths in a targeted manner and to further develop the conditions for sustainable industrial growth.

An ideal starting point for Europe to take a leading role

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 planning processes.

Schleswig-Holstein offers 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. The aim is to integrate and further develop this potential even more effectively in future.

The initiative aims to

  • promote the establishment and development of climate-friendly technologies,
  • to improve access to European funding programmes, and
  • strengthen the region’s international profile as a business location.

Broad coalition in support of the industrial hub

Under the umbrella of the Net-Zero-Valley initiative, business development agencies, chambers of commerce and industry, and other regional organisations work closely together. This collaboration is driven by a shared goal: to drive the transition to a climate-neutral economy in a coordinated, practical manner that transcends regional boundaries.

The partners involved are contributing their experience, networks and expertise to develop a compelling bid and to provide strategic support for the development of Schleswig-Holstein as an industrial location.

Investments lay the foundations

The partners are jointly providing funding for the application phase. This funding covers, amongst other things, project management, coordination, communication, event formats and specialist support.

This investment lays the foundations for the professional implementation of the next steps and creates the conditions necessary to pursue the shared objectives efficiently.

Clear management and central coordination

A joint steering group is responsible for the strategic direction of the initiative. It is responsible for key decisions and oversees the project’s ongoing development.

Operational coordination for the ‘Net Zero Valley’ application lies with 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 drawing up and submitting the application to become a ‘Net Zero Valley’. At the same time, existing projects, sites 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 that has now been agreed forms the foundation 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 action

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 their commitment to actively shaping industrial transformation and establishing the region as a key player in Europe’s climate-neutral economy.

Partners involved in the Schleswig-Holstein Net-Zero-Valley Initiative

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