Jürgen Pfeiffer

Please note that this session will be conducted in English. Europe is fighting for its position in the global hydrogen race. Caught between the Green Deal and geopolitical tensions, the EU needs to find a balance. How can we achieve technological sovereignty while diversifying our sources of imports? The second day of the conference is dedicated to the big strategic questions of the European and global hydrogen economies, from the competitiveness of European electrolyzers with those from Asian manufacturers to the question of a European H2 Local and international partnerships. The discussions will show how Europe can keep its industrial basis and build new partnerships while asserting local hydrogen technology against the superiority of the Far East. Why? Hydrogen is not only a climate-neutral energy carrier, it is also becoming a geopolitical power factor in the context of global political and economic upheaval. At the start of the second conference day, we will ask key questions about Europe's energy supply and discuss the need for a policy fostering greater energy autonomy, such as: How can hydrogen be positioned as a European sovereignty project balancing the objectives of ReArm EU and RePower EU? How can we achieve technological sovereignty while diversifying our sources of imports? What practical steps are needed to geopolitically bolster the hydrogen economy in Europe? And will reinforcing national and European defenses help speed up the establishment of key markets and infrastructure for climate-neutral hydrogen?

Please note that this session will be held in German. When it comes to the energy transition, Germany is at a turning point: While Southern Germany is struggling with excess solar energy, there is a lack of efficient storage solutions for system-serving electrolysis. On the first day of the conference, we will examine how hydrogen used as energy storage can both relieve congested power grids and build a resilient infrastructure. From using excess local solar power to industrial decarbonization in the key sectors - the chemical, cement and steel industries - the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are becoming test labs for Germany's hydrogen future. The key question is whether we need more electrolyzers in the South or whether smarter integration is the solution. The discussion will show ways the region can defend its pioneering role while remaining competitive with other different markets. The key questions that the panel will discuss are: What should a resilient German energy infrastructure look like? How can we maintain our position as technological leader while staying competitive? What role could system-serving electrolysis play in this? Will this help to ease the burden on the power grid in Southern Germany? And how can we achieve ideal interaction between electrons and molecules?

Please note that this session will be held in German.Energy-intensive industries are facing the challenge of procuring green energy at competitive prices. In this session, we will discuss the role of hydrogen versus carbon capture (CCU/CCS) as paths to decarbonization, and illustrate how the key industries - the chemical, cement and steel sectors - can advance the ramping up of the hydrogen economy.

Please note that this session will be conducted in English. European electrolyzer manufacturers operate in an international competitive environment shaped, among other factors, by differing industrial policy frameworks. This session discusses strategies to strengthen European competitiveness and technological sovereignty, situates the potential role of trade policy instruments, and examines the tension between international technology cooperation and increasing competitive pressure. It also explores whether a complementary 'Made in Europe' program could be a suitable approach to addressing changes in global markets.