Climate change in North Frisia: GP Joule calls for a new course in energy policy!

Climate change in North Frisia: GP Joule calls for a new course in energy policy!

In Germany's northernmost constituency, in North Frisia, the landscape is largely shaped by wind power and solar systems. Wind turbines have been an integral part of the landscape for decades, bringing not only a clean source of energy to the region but also financial benefits. These wind power dividends support important public facilities, including clinics. But despite the successes in the field of renewable energies, one of the industry's pioneers, GP Joule, is threatened with collapse. The uncertainties surrounding the federal government's energy policy have already led to a decline in demand for charging stations, resulting in the termination of 140 employees. This greater uncertainty was discussed in detail by fr.de.

GP Joule, led by Ove Petersen, has specialized in various areas such as wind power, biogas and photovoltaics. A very special focus is on hydrogen production. The latter is considered an integral part of the energy transition in Germany. According to the Federal Ministry of Economics, hydrogen technology is not only flexible in use, but also easy to store and transport. In North Frisia, this is already being implemented on a practical level. GP Joule has launched the largest green hydrogen mobility project in Germany, known as eFarm. Within this framework, hydrogen is produced from regional wind power and is available at two filling stations in Husum and Niebüll. André Steinau, Managing Director of GP Joule Hydrogen GmbH, emphasizes that the project not only promotes emission-free driving, but also involves around 3,500 North Frisians.

Hydrogen as a bearer of hope

Hydrogen is seen as a source of hope for the sustainable transport transition in Germany, as the transport sector is responsible for around 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. What is particularly interesting is that hydrogen production technology can make a decisive contribution to the electrification of sectors, also known as power-to-gas. Renewable electricity is used to efficiently store energy and use it in transport or industry when necessary.

The eFarm initiative was launched in 2016 to increase acceptance of renewable energies and to make sensible use of surplus electricity. The goal is to convert 2-3 terawatt hours of electricity into hydrogen every year. GP Joule has also caused a stir at the political level, not least by receiving the German Mobility Prize, which honors innovative and sustainable projects for the mobility of the future. A sign of the region's commitment and the courage to break new ground.

Coastal protection and infrastructure

But despite these promising developments, there are also challenges ahead. The railway, an essential north-south connection, is struggling with overload and is in a catastrophic condition. The double-track expansion is considered urgently necessary. Furthermore, the region is heavily dependent on tourism, especially on the popular islands of Amrum and Sylt. With a sparse population and different dialects, including Frisian, as well as a Danish minority, North Frisia offers cultural diversity.

In summary, local decisions are often made more efficiently and quickly than at the federal level. The dike and main sewer associations are continuously working on coastal protection measures, which are becoming increasingly important due to rising sea levels. With a clear focus on hydrogen and a commitment to renewable energies, GP Joule not only looks into the future, but tackles the challenges head on.