Battle of Powers: Batteries and Hydrogen as Allies for the Future
On October 1, 2024, the Chemiepark Marl hosted the Event "Battle of Powers," bringing together representatives from politics and industry to discuss the future of storage technologies vital for the energy transition.
This event was organized by Technologieförderung Münster GmbH and WiN Emscher-Lippe GmbH, in partnership with IHK Nord Westfalen and Dutch organizations like the Twente Board and Oost NL. Attendees gained valuable insights into the workings and production processes of battery and hydrogen technologies, covering everything from cell design to practical applications.
Cooperation of Powers
A key takeaway from the event was that batteries and hydrogen are not competitors; rather, they complement each other and drive the energy transition forward in their own ways. For the first time, technology providers and solution developers for both battery and hydrogen technologies came together in North Rhine-Westphalia. This cross-border dialogue encourages knowledge sharing and fosters synergies between research and real-world applications. The technological journey has just begun, and there’s still a wealth of potential to explore.
TECH.LAND Initiative: Bridging Energy Borders
This gathering was part of the Dutch-German TECH.LAND Initiative, which aims to establish the cross-border region of Emscher-Lippe, Münsterland, and East Netherlands as one of Europe’s top three locations for energy innovations. The focus is on research and development, strengthening business ties, and enhancing connections between national hydrogen and battery initiatives.
Significant Technological Potential in the Region
The Münsterland and Emscher-Lippe regions have emerged as key players in the development and production of batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers. Companies like Aumann AG, Cummins Inc., Evonik Industries AG, and Matthews International GmbH, along with prominent research institutions such as the MEET Battery Research Center Münster and the Fraunhofer Battery Cell Production Institute, are setting new benchmarks in the field.
Michael Theben, Head of Climate Protection at the Ministry of Economy, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy, encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: "If we can't establish green hydrogen in Chemiepark Marl, where else in North Rhine-Westphalia? The conditions here are ideal to prove that it's possible."
Photo: ©Jan-Christopher Przybilla, WiN Emscher-Lippe GmbH