Germany – Regional Development Agency Northwestern-Brandenburg
Northwest Brandenburg Shared Vision & Targets

Overview

The Regional Development Agency North-West Brandenburg (REG) collaborated with regional institutions to generate concepts for a regional H2 strategy. This initiative builds on the activities of the Brandenburg Economic Development Agency (WFBB), which has been supporting an H2 cluster for many years, and on the preliminary work of the regional H2 network for North-West Brandenburg PROOH2V, which has already brought together a number of regional players. The input provided by the German Hydrogen Association (DWV) and the results of the DWV's feasibility study on the H2 industry in Brandenburg were incorporated into the potential study that was prepared by the research institute Reiner Lemoine Institut (RLI) and finalised in 2023.

The hydrogen roadmap devised by the state of Brandenburg (see link below) was the result of a comprehensive consultation process, during which regional stakeholders were able to share their own ideas and input.

The REG then contacted both public representatives (administration, local and regional politicians) and business representatives (companies, associations, federations). Input from other regions was also very helpful. During the meeting, the participants explored strategies for advancing the energy transition in the region, the potential role of hydrogen, and the process for documenting and implementing the jointly formulated vision.

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Implementation and Key Activities

The following steps were taken to accomplish this task:

• The development of a shared vision is of paramount importance. Following the analysis findings from Phase 1, the REG collaborated with local authorities, energy suppliers, transport companies and industrial enterprises on a potential study and the Brandenburg Hydrogen Strategy. The Brandenburg hydrogen strategy was developed through a large-scale participation process in which the Brandenburg Ministry of Economic Affairs requested feedback from the regions. Key aspects of the project included the utilisation of regional potential (abundant renewable energies, skilled labour, etc.) and the involvement of regional stakeholders. Initiating new H2 projects and providing ongoing support for existing ones was also crucial to create added value for the region (economic growth, new jobs, energy security for rural areas).

• Specific goal: to develop a concrete action plan that will create a roadmap for the region, outlining the implementation of the envisaged vision.

• Conflict identification and mediation: For a considerable period, the identity of the party responsible for addressing hydrogen-related concerns in the region remained ambiguous. The H2 network was established with the objective of promoting the expansion of H2 in the private sector and of applying for a federal government funding programme. However, the districts subsequently decided to first commission an H2 potential study, which took time but provided scientific assurance that the use of hydrogen makes sense. It was only through REG's intervention that the administration and the network were able to engage in constructive dialogue, leading to a unified approach and the successful execution of the action plan.

 

​​​Results and policy impact

It is advisable to consider the necessary steps at an early stage. If the scientific studies required to make a region fit for hydrogen are clearly defined in advance, this will create transparency for all involved. Establishing a solid foundation with stakeholders from diverse regions expands the scope of vision and streamlines processes. Many model regions are already in a similar position and can report on their own experiences, allowing time-consuming missteps to be avoided.

 

Transferability and lessons learned

It is imperative to engage local stakeholders, who ideally have already been connected in an H2 network for some time. Successful, harmonious cooperation with such associations or initiatives creates acceptance and significantly increases the chances of success. A second factor to consider is the political level. It is important to note that support from the administration or district council can be very beneficial. A failure to commit on their part can result in avoidable challenges as early as the strategy development stage.

Five years after the creation of the first Brandenburg Hydrogen Roadmap, an update of the strategy is underway – again with a participation process. This will be preceded by a formal tender process to determine who will provide scientific support for this participation process.

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More information

Hydrogen Roadmap Brandenburg: https://reiner-lemoine-institut.de/en/project/hydrogen-roadmap-brandenburg-and-berlin/