As the first of nine hydrogen regions, the Rügen-Stralsund HyStarter consortium presented a study on the potential of hydrogen as an energy source for the region on 24 March 2021.
The study is the result of 15 months of collaboration in which regions and municipalities are supported in establishing a local actor landscape and developing initial concept ideas on the topics of hydrogen and fuel cells based on renewable energies.
The study of the Rügen-Stralsund HyStarter region focusses on the aspects of heat and electricity supply, mobility as well as agriculture and regional added value. It also examined what potential generators and consumers of hydrogen there are in the region and what framework conditions must be fulfilled for this purpose.
Dr. Stefan Kerth, Head of the Vorpommern-Rügen district and Dr. Alexander Badrow, Mayor of the Hanseatic town of Stralsund thanked the HyStarter actors for their commitment that advanced the project so successfully. Dr. Kerth emphasized the importance of the promising energy source of hydrogen for the district and already tabled the prospect of a staff position to further promote the topic in the region. Mayor Dr. Badrow also confirmed two new positions in the Hanseatic town, which will be created in the framework of a funding programme and in cooperation with the city of Nienburg an der Weser.
In the interim, the “HyLand – Hydrogen regions in Germany” competition has entered its second round: Ten new municipalities and regions will be selected and supported in 2021 as HyStarters. Expressions of interest can be submitted until 14 May 2021.
The Rügen-Stralsund hydrogen region is currently already preparing the application for the follow-up programme: HyExperts. In this second leg of the HyLand competition, external consulting with regard to technical, legal and economic issues is planned.
The study, which was published today, can be found here.