Stephan Weil, Daniel Günther, Manuela Schwesig, Dr. Peter Tschentscher and Andreas Bovenschulte © Staatskanzlei MV, Holgermartens.
Thursday, 24 June 2021, Laage, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany: The northern German states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Manuela Schwesig; Schleswig-Holstein, Daniel Günther; Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher; Bremen, Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte; and Lower Saxony, Stephan Weil; want to emerge economically stronger from the Corona pandemic and continue to cooperate closely, especially in the expansion of renewable energies and hydrogen technology.
The latter was decided by the respective heads of government at their annual meeting in Laage (Rostock County, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania).
The northern German states are working closely together. At the moment, our most important common goal is to overcome the economic consequences of the Corona pandemic as quickly as possible. To this end, we have developed joint proposals. We are also jointly advocating the further expansion of renewable energies and the economic use of hydrogen technology. With the help of hydrogen technology, we have a great opportunity to attract new companies with sustainable jobs to the North and, at the same time, to make an important contribution to climate protection,” explained the host and Premier of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Manuela Schwesig, following the conference.
The northern German states are pioneers in the expansion of renewable energies. In a resolution, they call for accelerated expansion. To this end, the expansion paths for offshore wind energy are to be raised significantly. The northern German states are against a reduction in the annual tender quantities for onshore wind energy and in favour of the expansion of photovoltaics. In addition, innovations that relieve the strain on the electricity grid and green hydrogen production are to be particularly promoted in the northern states as the main producer regions of renewable energies.
According to the heads of government of the northern German states, the north offers ideal conditions to become a competence region of international importance for the production and economic use of green hydrogen. By implementing the joint hydrogen strategy of the northern German states, climate-neutral economic development is to be further advanced in all sectors, for example in the maritime economy and in transport.
Lars Schwarz, Acting Chairman of the Unternehmerkuratorium Nord (Entrepreneurs Board of Trustees North) and Employer President of the VU, said as per statement: “Northern Germany at the beginning of the 2020s continues to face great challenges. We have to hold our own in an increasingly fierce competition between regions, both nationally and Europe-wide. The Corona pandemic, which has dominated all areas of life for almost 1.5 years, is doing the rest. Especially the coastal countries and port cities, which are characterised by tourism and the maritime economy, have been left to bleed economically for many months. And it is not yet clear whether the affected sectors – despite increasing relief – will emerge from the crisis halfway secure.
Next year, Schleswig-Holstein will host the Conference of the Northern German States. Schleswig-Holstein’s Premier Daniel Günther took over the baton of the KND (Northern German Conference) from Premier Schwesig and said: “All five northern German states focus on cooperation and – despite all their differences – also have common goals. We need this cooperation to remain strong in the North and to be able to grow.”
For further information:
Statement by the Government of the Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg: https://www.hamburg.de/pressearchiv-fhh/15212080/2021-06-24-sk-knd/
Conference by the North German Bundesländer: https://www.facebook.com/StaatskanzleiMV/videos/331836815178309
