Dithmarschen starts hydrogen offensive: Green path to the future of industry!

Dithmarschen starts hydrogen offensive: Green path to the future of industry!

What is brewing in Dithmarschen? The district council has taken up the cause of bringing about a turnaround in the hydrogen economy. Today, June 26, 2025, the focus is on the adoption of hydrogen guidelines, and the signs are favorable for the region. Like that NDR reports, this step aims to promote the production of hydrogen, primarily for industrial purposes.

Particularly exciting: A study by the University of Cologne rated the conditions for the production of green hydrogen in Dithmarschen as optimal. High wind energy production and numerous industrial customers are just two of the factors that make the region so attractive. In addition, the planned access to the hydrogen core network and the existing storage options provide a solid basis for the implementation of these ambitious plans.

The harbor as a pivotal point

Another interesting point is the port of Brunsbüttel, which is establishing itself as a possible hub for green hydrogen. Despite the ideal conditions and potential, Dithmarschen has so far been left out when it comes to the concrete implementation of hydrogen projects.

The Hydrogen Advisory Board, which was founded in autumn 2020, is dedicated to supporting and accelerating the development of a hydrogen economy in Dithmarschen. The members of the advisory board are made up of representatives from commercial companies, associations and the West Coast University of Applied Sciences and meet four times a year under the chairmanship of the district administrator. As the Website of the Dithmarschen region informed, the “Strategic Guidelines and Agenda for the Dithmarschen Hydrogen Region” was adopted on December 9, 2021 in order to clearly define and implement the goals.

Sustainability and future vision

What is particularly noteworthy is the statement in the guidelines that at least ten gigawatts of electrolysis capacity should be realized in northern Germany by 2030. Three electrolysers are already being planned in the Brunsbüttel industrial area, but the space for these is in the neighboring Steinburg district. This raises the question of why, despite the excellent conditions, Dithmarschen does not receive the attention it deserves. In order to overcome these challenges, Manuela Behrens has taken on the role of network manager since summer 2022, which is intended to promote the integration of green hydrogen and the energy transition.

A look into the future makes it clear: there is a lot to do here! With the right commitment and a good hand, Dithmarschen could become an important player in the hydrogen economy. It remains exciting to see how the situation develops and what progress can be made in the coming years.🍃