On 15 May 2024, the 3rd HyLand Symposium took place in Berlin. Under the heading ‘HyLand meets Industry’, this year the event focussed on bringing HyLand regions and technology providers together. Key themes were understanding needs, challenges and the potential of players in relation to the ramp-up of the regional hydrogen economy.
The event at the Design Office of the Humboldthafen was well attended by over 100 representatives from the HyLand regions and industry players from the hydrogen sector. The aim of the event was to give projects from the HyLand hydrogen regions the opportunity to discuss their needs and challenges with industry representatives and at the same time, provide insight into potentials and possibilities. The agenda offered the appropriate framework and facilitated an open and wide-ranging discussion through success stories, workshops and a panel discussion.
The workshops were particularly popular with attendees. They covered three thematic areas: ‘Procurement and operation of H2 commercial vehicles’, ‘Hydrogen transport in practice’, as well as ‘Perspectives of local grid-serving electrolysis plants’. The scale of the added value that hydrogen offers the energy transition became clear, in that it relieves the burden on electricity grids and enables emission-free operation of both mobile and stationary applications. Despite positive experiences with project development, stakeholders pointed out the hurdles that still need to be overcome.
The highlight of the event was the panel discussion on ‘Transforming mobility in the regions – what role does hydrogen play?’ Moderated by Kurt-Christoph von Knobelsdorff (NOW GmbH), Dr. Stefanie Kesting (Neumann & Esser), André Steinau (GP Joule), Max Nastold (Kazenmaier Leasing) and Dr. Lars Peter Thiesen (Stellantis) discussed the current situation and the future of hydrogen mobility in Germany and Europe. The manufacturers reported that they are currently expanding their production capacities for electrolysers, compressors, fuel cells and vehicles. Their commitment to emission-free technologies was especially highlighted. Nevertheless, stable framework conditions are needed for the successful implementation of the projects, which then build confidence in the technology. This is decisive for the financing possibilities on the capital market, where Germany competes internationally. There was also a consensus that a global and application-oriented perspective was often overlooked in the current public debate in Germany: we need to move away from pitting technologies against each other.
About HyLand
HyLand – Hydrogen regions in Germany is a competition launched by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) in 2019 that is now in its second round. HyLand motivates actors in all regions of Germany to initiate, plan and implement hydrogen-related concepts. The objective of the competition is to identify and promote the most innovative and promising regional concepts. In the first two phases of the HyLand programme, already 53 regions were funded and supported in establishing a hydrogen economy in the following three categories: HyStarter, HyExperts and HyPerformer. Many regions have already submitted their final reports and feasibility studies and are about to enter their next development phase. Further information on HyLand I + II as well as the final reports can be found here: www.hy.land.
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Image: © Franz Josef, Berlin