Implementing the energy transition is no easy task. Nevertheless, it is becoming increasingly clear every day that renewable energy is no longer an ideological choice, but rather a means of self-defense to ensure we are no longer at the mercy of those whose interests do not align with our own. We were able to outline the central systemic role that hydrogen plays in this process at the Berlin House of Representatives. As Jörg Buisset, CEO of H2Berlin, explained, there are essentially three reasons why Berlin is predestined to take on a pioneering role among European metropolises:
– Berlin’s enormous energy imports (70 TWh/year)
– Berlin’s unique energy consumption profile requires large storage capacities for renewable energy across the seasons
– District heating network and existing hydrogen-gas infrastructure
Georg Friedrichs, CEO of our memberGasag, emphasized that:
– Hydrogen is not the enemy of renewable electricity, but rather the second pillar of a future secure energy supply
– A pipeline already filled with hydrogen lies just outside the city gates
– Gasag has already invested in bringing hydrogen into the city.
Senator Franziska Giffey highlighted that:
– Hydrogen is an essential component of Berlin’s future energy supply.
– Hydrogen is a major energy policy priority for Berlin.
– H2Berlin is crucial for realizing our shared hydrogen goals.
Hearing before the Committee for economic affairs of the Berlin House of Representatives
