Terraformae attended the summit at the HYDROGEN DIALOGUE 2024 – Summit & Expo in Nuremberg, which brought together the national and international hydrogen industry for a forward-looking dialogue. The HYDROGEN DIALOGUE took place at NürnbergMesse on 4th and 5th December 2024. Considering the recent developments in the hydrogen economy, characterised by technological advancements and increased political support, the event provided an ideal platform for exchange and networking. Bavaria, as one of the leading locations for hydrogen technology in Germany, offered the perfect setting for the event with its strong infrastructure and innovative power.
The conference focused on both the near and distant future. “Without hydrogen, nothing will work in the future if we really want to decarbonise and not deindustrialise,” emphasised Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian State Minister for Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy, during the summit’s opening remarks. He spoke strongly about Bavaria's strategic importance as a geographical and economic centre for European hydrogen supply, with the potential to forge energy partnerships spanning from North Africa to Scandinavia.
At the event, it became evident that hydrogen is not only key to achieving climate neutrality but also represents a significant industrial policy opportunity for the German and European economies. “The development of a hydrogen economy is not only climate-relevant, but also offers us the opportunity to position Germany as a technology provider,” said Prof Dr Veronika Grimm, a member of the German government’s Council of Experts. “China already dominates many future technologies. Germany needs to invest strategically to avoid being left behind from a technological perspective.” She further highlighted the risks of economic stagnation: “Germany has stagnated economically since 2019 – five years without growth – while the USA has grown by 12 per cent over the same period.” To avoid falling behind, she stressed the importance of ambitious measures and strengthening international cooperation.
Gunda Röstel, Deputy Chair of the German Council for Sustainable Development, echoed these sentiments, calling for greater urgency: “The ramp-up of an efficient hydrogen market must be significantly accelerated if we want to guarantee security of supply.” She underlined the necessity of international partnerships and pragmatic solutions to mitigate geopolitical risks and ensure a resilient energy supply. Despite the urgency, she emphasised: “Predictability for investors and industry is crucial to manage the risks and financial burdens in the hydrogen economy.”
The message conveyed by the HYDROGEN DIALOGUE was clear: hydrogen is not merely an option for the future—it is a necessity. However, achieving this vision is complex. “We have to move from discussing to doing,” urged Minister of State Aiwanger, stressing the need to remove regulatory hurdles and create long-term planning security for investors and industry.
1. Prof. Dr Veronika Grimm, member of the German Council of Economic Experts and Co-Chairwoman of the Hydrogen Centre Bavaria (H2.B), spoke at the summit held during the HYDROGEN DIALOGUE. Photo: NürnbergMesse
2. Staatsminister Hubert Aiwanger, MdL, Minister for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy at the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, was a keynote speaker at the HYDROGEN DIALOGUE. Photo Robert Kakarigi
3. Robert Kakarigi, President of Terraformae, attended the summit at the HYDROGEN DIALOGUE 2024 in Bavaria.
