The meeting, which was chaired by Sven Robertz, had a packed programme. After the guests were welcomed by the Chairman of the Euregio Rhine-Waal and Mayor of Nijmegen, Hubert Bruls, Professor Dr Seddighi (HAN) reported from a scientific perspective on the role hydrogen can play in the energy transition and decarbonisation. Tom Verlinden (Rh2ine and WaterstofNet) provided a practical perspective on hydrogen, emphasising the importance of cross-border cooperation for hydrogen-powered inland navigation.
During the subsequent panel discussion, Matthias Kötter (Hexagon Purus Weeze GmbH), Frank Mietes (Alles Over Waterstof) and Georg Dura (Zentrum für BrennstoffzellenTechnik GmbH) primarily discussed the economic side of this topic. It was repeatedly emphasised how important it is to keep an eye on the long-term goals with regard to renewable energies and how much the Netherlands and Germany can support and complement each other in this.
After this discussion round, Catrin Siebert (Kreis Wesel) reported on H2 Niederrhein, an important network that deals with the latest developments in the hydrogen economy, and Sem van der Linden (Oost NL) on the Hydrogen Valley enquiry, a great opportunity to bring together all the ideas and concepts from the region and promote hydrogen.
Tom Verlinden (Rh2ine and WaterstofNet), Jan van Dellen (The Economic Board), Matthias Heina (City of Duisburg) and Benedikt Rösen (Wirtschaftsförderung Kreis Kleve) took part in the second panel discussion. During this panel discussion, the main focus was on hydrogen from the perspective of the representatives of the authorities and administration. The importance and possibilities of cross-border cooperation were also emphasised in this discussion. According to Van Dellen, it is also important to look at hydrogen from a social perspective. More hydrogen initiatives would also create more jobs. Verlinden also explained how important European cooperation is, even if it may delay the process a little at the beginning, it will speed it up in the end. After the informative presentations and interesting discussions, there was the opportunity to exchange ideas and network.
