Webinar: Green Hydrogen & Smart Energy Technologies
20. October 2025 | 14:00 - 15:45 Uhr CET Online via Microsoft Teams
Registration for the Webinar
Cooperation in the Hydrogen Sector
Be part of Germany's energy transition and learn how you can benefit from Germany's Energy-producing regions of the future. Phasing out coal will give companies the historic opportunity to use environmentally friendly innovation to help shape structural change in these regions.
Germany Trade & Invest and its partners cordially invite you to join a webinar on smart energy solutions, with a focus on green hydrogen. On 20 October 2025, from 14:00 to 15:45 CET, you will learn about business and investment opportunities in the German hydrogen market, hear from leading experts, and explore how the transition from coal-based power generation to a sustainable, innovative energy sector is taking shape. The webinar offers an engaging program to dive into the German hydrogen landscape and connect with key stakeholders – all from the convenience of your own location via Microsoft Teams.
Who should join:
We invite international executives from companies, scientific institutions, networks and institutions who are generally interested in getting to know the German energy market and in particular the hydrogen market, especially in the (former) coal-producing regions. Many potentials are opening up here. The German government is providing support in particular to accompany the transformation from coal to hydrogen.
| Agenda of the event |
|
| 14:00 – 16:00 |
Dial-In |
| 14:00 |
Welcome Moderation: Ferdinand Elsaesser, Senior Consultant, energiewaechter GmbH |
| 14:05 - 14:20 |
Establishing a green hydrogen economy in Germany Heiko Staubitz, Senior Manager Investor Consulting Hydrogen & Energy Infrastructure, Germany Trade & Invest |
| 14:20 – 14:35 |
Germany's powerhouse in structural transformation: North-Rhine Westphalia's ambitions for green hydrogen offtake for steel and chemical industry Jochen Pollotzek, General Manager, NRW.Global Business |
| 14:35 – 14:50 |
Structural transformation in the Rhenish area – From coal to new energies Elke Hohmann, Head of department project development, Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier |
| 14:50 – 15:05 |
Applied research for a hydrogen based energy infrastructure. Presentation of a multi-SOFC system Helmholtz research cluster for a sustainable and infrastructure-compatible hydrogen economy HC-H2 Vanessa Düster, Consultant for communication & networks, Helmholtz research association and Jülich Research Center FZJ |
| 15:05 – 15:20 |
Neuman + Esser: Sustainable solutions for process gases, green gases and solids N.N., Neuman + Esser Group |
| 15:20 – 15:30 |
Center Fuel Cell Industrialization – The innovation hub for the industrialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technology N.N., Center Fuel Cell Industrialization |
| 15:30 – 15:45 |
Q&A Session |
| 15:45 |
End of event |
The Rhenish Area ("Rheinisches Revier")
The rhineland coalfield was one of the largest open coal mining areas in Europe. A large number of coal-fired power plants were in operation in the region, but these are now being gradually shut down. The expansion of renewable energies is filling this gap in electricity generation. Germany is playing a pioneering role among industrialized countries in this regard. Last year, in 2024, approximately 63% of Germany's electricity was generated from sustainable sources, amounting to 275 TWh. This share is set to increase to 80% by 2030.
The rhenish area is spread between the cities of Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Cologne & Aachen. The proximity to it`s european neighbours The Netherlands, Belgium and France facilitate cross country business making. Within a radius of 60 km, there are plenty of universities and technical training institutions which empowers the workforce of that region.
Transformation of energy generation and value creation
Europe's first climate-neutral industrial region is taking shape in Rheinisches Revier. Hydrogen is at the heart of this transformation, serving as a vital source of electricity and heat, a medium for energy storage and an alternative fuel. The region is already strategically positioned along the entire hydrogen value chain: Ambitious projects, supported by direct investment, are driving its transition into a global hydrogen technologiy hub. Investors in Rheinisches Revier are joining a groundbreaking initiative and leading the way in pioneering green technologies worldwide.
Numerous leading companies are based in the area (e.g. energy utility RWE, compressor supplier Neuman + Esser, Duisport is the world`s largest inland port), and leading research institutions support the industrial transition. The Jülich Research Centre with its project sponsor PTJ manage combined research projects of 4.3 billion € per year. Additionally, the world famous Fraunhofer association and the Helmholtz research association are incorporated with reserarch and transfer facilities as well, focussing on energy, infrastructure and mobility solutions.
Background of the programme
Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) is the economic development agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. GTAI supports German companies setting up in foreign markets, promotes Germany as a business location and assists foreign companies setting up in Germany. This inbound delegation trip is part of their ISW-program, which has been developed for and with partners from the regions in structural change in order to internationally promote the individual regions‘ strengths and opportunities and facilitate cross-border cooperation. International companies have the chance to visit a specific German region in order to get to know a particular industry ecosystem and network with local industry players to elaborate their next steps to enter the German market and find new business partners.
