In the first step, the companies in the initiative are commissioning a comprehensive study from the German Energy Agency (dena), a federally owned company for national and international services related to energy and climate policy goals of the German government. The aim of the dena study is to identify synergies between the individual company projects, to integrate them into an holistic concept and to derive concrete measures and trade recommendations.
In doing so, the technical, infrastructural, regulatory and legal conditions at the location will be analysed in particular and thus the advantages and challenges will be identified and evaluated. The results of the study are expected in spring 2022. "The clear advantages of Wilhelmshaven as a hydrogen capital, due to its favourable geographical location, include the planned high-voltage grid node with 380 kilovolt connection as well as the high generation capacities for onshore and offshore wind power in the surrounding area. In addition, there is an easy-to-implement connection to the European pipeline infrastructure here, and we have a deep-water port that can be used for transport and, if necessary, expanded by building new transhipment terminals," explains Uwe Oppitz.
The Hydrogen Dialogue Wilhelmshaven can be traced back to the "Hydrogen Round Table Wilhelmshaven", which was founded by SPD Member of Parliament Siemtje Möller and Lower Saxony's Minister for the Environment, Energy, Building and Climate Protection Olaf Lies. The aim of the round table was and remains to have an exchange with companies along the entire potential hydrogen value chain – from import, production, storage and transport to consumption.