The Innovision Center in the district of Neustadt an der Waldnaab was abuzz with activity as representatives from business, politics, and research gathered to attend the much-anticipated information evening.
The event aimed to unveil the NEW HyPerspectives project and reinforce the commitment to promoting hydrogen as a key energy carrier for the future.
Deputy District Administrator Albert Nickl opened the event with words of appreciation for the participants’ contributions, acknowledging that much work lies ahead. The speakers, a group of experts in the field, presented their insights and visions for a hydrogen-powered future. Among them were Alexander Gehling from NOW GmbH, Prof. Dr. Raphael Lechner from the Institut für Energietechnik, and Annabelle Forster from Watson Farley & Williams, among others.
The project background and the involved service providers were explained by Prof. Dr. Raphael Lechner, who also presented the feasibility study’s final report. Sebastian Kopp highlighted the crucial public relations efforts undertaken to raise awareness about hydrogen’s potential. Legal expert Annabelle Forster shed light on the essential legal framework for green hydrogen, making the topic more accessible to the audience. Ronald Behrend addressed the necessity of reorganizing apprenticeship occupations to prepare the younger workforce for the developments of the next 15 years. The highlight of the evening was Maximilian Schinhammer’s presentation of the feasibility study.
To meet their ambitious goals on schedule, the district is planning to expand its inter-municipal cooperation with the city of Weiden and the district of Tirschenreuth to the northern Upper Palatinate level. The belief is that tackling challenges together will lead to the region’s success in achieving its hydrogen-related objectives.
The district of Neustadt an der Waldnaab stands out as one of the few districts in Germany to qualify for the HyLand competition, a federal government initiative. The HyPerspectives project focuses on creating a comprehensive concept for a regional hydrogen economy. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport within the National Innovation Programme Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology, the project aims to develop the region into a hydrogen hub.
With a comprehensive final report in hand, the participants left the event, knowing they had witnessed a pivotal moment in Neustadt’s journey towards a hydrogen-powered future. The report will soon be available on the district office’s website, providing detailed information and actionable recommendations to interested parties.
