Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein deepen hydrogen co-operation

"The north is the region of the future for the production, use and distribution of green hydrogen in Germany," said Dr Peter Tschentscher, Mayor of Hamburg. The states of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein urged the German government to connect both states to the emerging European hydrogen pipeline network "Hyperlink III" at an early stage. The section from Ellund on the German-Danish border to Heidenau on the south bank of the Elbe is crucial to the energy transition as it due to supply north German industry with hydrogen. The German government must ensure that the project can go into  operation by 2028.

Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein also urged the German government to remove regulatory obstacles to a hydrogen sector and to establish a long-term financial framework for the required infrastructure. "We will lobby the federal government for this, both technically and politically," said Daniel Günther, Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein. The German government is also planning a national port strategy. Günther remarked: "The national port strategy offers the coastal states an opportunity to help shape the focal points of port policy and especially the future commitment of the German government."

Representatives of both state governments met at Brunsbüttel Ports GmbH for their meeting and toured the LNG terminal in the Elbehafen. Both heads of government came out in favour of the energy transition in north Germany. Günther remarked: "We are focusing on the future in the north and are all set for the energy transition."

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