Kiel starts Clean Energy Valley: On to green energy and industry!

Kiel starts Clean Energy Valley: On to green energy and industry!

Kiel has big plans that extend beyond the city limits. As part of the “Clean Energy Valley” initiative, an axis is being created here with the aim of effectively using offshore wind power. The city, together with partner organizations from Neumünster, Rendsburg and Heide, plans to develop new commercial areas and promote innovative economic approaches in order to establish sustainable industry. This move will not only boost the local economy, but also intensify the use of emission-free energy, reports kn-online.de.

The cities of Kiel, Neumünster and Rendsburg, in particular, which form close cooperations, demonstrate great potential. Leading business representatives in the region emphasize the importance of this alliance for economic development in northern Germany. The EU's high level of funding through the “Net-Zero Industry Acts” is intended to create additional incentives to promote sustainable solutions, as in the Information about the Heide region can be read.

Hydrogen as a key resource

Initially, a hydrogen pipeline project from the west coast to Kiel was primarily intended to support the local economy. However, this project was removed from the federal hydrogen core network. Nevertheless, Kiwi's managing director, Werner Kässens, remains optimistic and is tirelessly pursuing the connection to “green energy”. Gas pipelines that are already available could be used for hydrogen distribution in the future and thus play an important role in the transformation of energy supply.

With an infrastructure that includes the Kiel Canal, roads and railway lines, the conditions in the region are favorable for having a good hand in sustainability. It seems as if there is an opportunity here for innovative companies that want to take advantage of the possibilities of the so-called Clean Energy Valley.

Skepticism in politics

However, the ambitions are not viewed uncritically from all sides. There is skepticism in Kiel politics about the financial advances that the city of Kiel should make. Mayor Ulf Kampf sees opportunities for a climate-neutral future, but some political representatives express doubts. CDU councilor Constance Prange and Green Party politician Jürgen Meereis question the benefits of the project. An annual contribution of 60,000 euros until 2027, which is required by the city of Kiel, could become a hurdle due to the current budget freeze, as reported voices show in the discussion about future financing.

In addition, the repurchase of the MFG5 site by the Bundeswehr increases the difficulties in the Kiel area, where commercial space is already scarce and expensive. The need for new, attractive commercial space is evident, and with inter-municipal cooperation between Kiel, Neumünster and Rendsburg there is hope that the region can continue to grow as an innovation location.

Schleswig-Holstein has now established itself as a pioneer in the energy transition. Renewable energies, such as wind power and solar energy, play a crucial role in the country's electricity supply. In 2016, Schleswig-Holstein generated more electricity from renewable sources than it consumed. With the goals and measures formulated in the new Energy Transition and Climate Protection Act, there will continue to be keen interest in the future to further expand sustainable energies in the country, which is based on information from the State government of Schleswig-Holstein emerges.