[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ module_class=”reverse-columns-mobile” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ text_font=”roboto-regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#003a7c” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||15px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Credits: istockphoto, Ressort SWHT, MW\/Scheffen [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]What needs to happen for the energy transition in Germany to succeed and what can your state contribute?<\/p>\n Vogt: <\/strong>The energy transition requires a holistic approach that encompasses all aspects, from the generation of renewable energy to its consumption. The \u201cEnergy Port\u201d, which establishes the port as a key location for the import, storage and transshipment of renewable energies, is a prime example of this. Bremen and Bremerhaven can assume a pioneering role in the energy transition \u2013 our seaports are predestined to be hubs for the import and export of renewable energies and as locations for offshore wind farms. I\u2019m also in favour of building converter stations in Bremerhaven and a CO\u2082 terminal in Bremen. A clear strategy for oversized and heavy goods transport is just as crucial as an energy transition access strategy applying to all German ports. A national strategy with clear short and long-term goals is nonetheless absolutely essential. <\/p>\n Lies: <\/strong>Onshore and offshore wind turbines are a core component of the energy transition in Lower Saxony. The North Sea (coast) offers the ideal conditions; we don\u2019t call it the \u201cNorth Sea Powerhouse\u201d for nothing! We need to develop this more. However, many wind farms are already contributing to a high proportion of the renewable energies Lower Saxony generates. Expanding this technology and improving the grid infrastructure are crucial in order to use the energy generated efficiently. Besides renewable electricity, we also need alternatives to fossil fuels if the energy transition is to be successful, and hydrogen will play a decisive role here. To ensure that the North becomes Germany\u2019s energy hub, we\u2019ve collaborated with Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein to launch the North German Hydrogen Strategy. This will create the necessary conditions for developing a green hydrogen economy here in the North. An important part of the strategy is promoting cooperation between science, industry and politics in northern Germany. <\/p>\n Do you share the view that the energy transition cannot be achieved without the ports?<\/p>\n Vogt: <\/strong>The ports are at the heart of the energy transition \u2013 they\u2019re not just transshipment centres for goods, they’re also central hubs for the supply and distribution of energy. They\u2019re indispensable for building and operating offshore wind turbines, which make a significant contribution to achieving climate targets, but they\u2019re also undergoing a transformation process themselves. They must face the requirements of automation and digitalisation head on and provide shore power in both the cruise and container sectors in order to support carbon-neutral shipping. The ports need to be able to store, distribute and transship large quantities of renewable energy. They need the necessary infrastructure for producing, storing and installing offshore wind turbines, and they must be able to cover the growing demand for onshore electricity. Consequently, the German government must increase its financial commitment to the port infrastructure significantly.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”dtb-sticky” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_sidebar area=”et_pb_widget_area_7″ show_border=”off” admin_label=”Werbung Startseite \/ Artikel” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_sidebar][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.logistics-pilot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Kristina-Vogt_APR_500px.png” title_text=”Kristina-Vogt_APR_500px” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”25px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ header_3_text_color=”#002e5b” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||40px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Kristina Vogt <\/strong>(Die Linke) \u2013 Bremen\u2019s Senator for Economics, Ports and Transformation since July 2023 and Bremen\u2019s Senator for Economic Affairs, Labour and Europe from 2019-2023.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ prev_background_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,58,124,0.13) 0%|#ffffff 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(0,58,124,0.13)” background_color_gradient_end=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” top_divider_style=”waves2″ top_divider_height=”55px” top_divider_flip=”horizontal” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_padding=”114px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Lies: <\/strong>The seaports are of the utmost importance if the energy transition is to succeed. We intend to guarantee the security of our energy supply. The ports are the backbone for achieving the expansion targets for offshore wind energy. This is impossible without them and, as such, they need sufficient capacity to build and maintain offshore wind turbines and then dismantle them at the end of their service life. This is why Lower Saxony began to expand the Cuxhaven and Emden sites a few years ago, with a particular focus on offshore wind energy and fulfilling the requirements of the offshore industry. We need to keep this up. As a region, Lower Saxony also offers unique advantages for developing a comprehensive hydrogen economy. Our seaports will play a key role for Germany, particularly for importing hydrogen and synthetic energy sources. Europe\u2019s largest cavern fields for storing huge quantities of hydrogen, as well as local maritime companies, existing scientific expertise and industries with extensive experience in handling hydrogen are of great benefit, too. Even in a future of carbon neutrality, Germany will always have to import a significant amount of the chemical energy sources it needs \u2013 such as bringing in green hydrogen via pipeline or by shipping in hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia or synthetic methane. Lower Saxony\u2019s ports provide the best conditions for doing precisely this.<\/p>\n Would you go so far as to say that energy could replace containers as the symbol of the ports?<\/p>\n Vogt: <\/strong> Container handling will remain central, but the energy transition opens up enormous potential. The \u201cEnergy Port\u201d project in Bremen is positioning the port as a central hub for renewable energies, while offshore wind energy holds immense potential for creating added value that\u2019ll not only revolutionise the energy supply but will also have a significant impact on settlement and employment. Germany has always been dependent on energy imports and will remain so. Energy sources used in the past \u2013 coal, oil and gas \u2013 came in via the ports, and the challenge now is to replace these with emission-free alternatives. The offshore wind industry, which has already changed how we see the ports, represents an additional business opportunity. <\/p>\n Lies: <\/strong>As hubs for national and international trade, ports have been constantly evolving and they\u2019ll continue to do so. We\u2019re currently experiencing another set of upheavals, i.e. the issues of both digitalisation and decarbonisation or energy. Whether it\u2019s liquefied natural gas, hydrogen or wind power \u2013 our ports will increasingly handle new, sustainable energy sources as time passes. Indeed, Lower Saxony\u2019s seaports are becoming a hub for supplying energy to the entire German industry and are key motors in pursuing a low-carbon future. In this respect, many ports are identifying new business areas and, in turn, huge opportunities to expand their spectrum by becoming energy hubs. This contribution to transforming the economy for the energy transition is indispensable. Previously, the advent of the container revolutionised existing processes in the entire international exchange of goods. Of course, we can\u2019t compare this with the changes that are occurring now, but one thing is clear \u2013 if we chart the right course here, the opportunities are endless. <\/p>\n What headlines would you like to read about the German energy transition a year from now?<\/p>\n Vogt: <\/strong>\u201cA significant step: German government to participate in Energy Port construction.\u201d Or “New National Port Strategy enables energy transition and port expansion \u2013 German government responds to coastal states\u2019 demand for alleviating the financial pressure on ports.\u201d <\/p>\n Lies: <\/strong>\u201cHow the North makes use of its opportunities \u2013 transformation and energy transition as models for growth and new jobs.\u201d (bre)<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”dtb-sticky” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.logistics-pilot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Olaf-Lies_APR_500px.png” title_text=”Olaf-Lies_APR_500px” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”25px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ header_3_text_color=”#002e5b” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||40px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Olaf Lies <\/strong>(SPD) \u2013 member of the Lower Saxony state parliament since February 2008 and Lower Saxony\u2019s Minister for Economic Affairs, Transport, Construction and Digitalisation since November 2022.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ prev_background_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,58,124,0.13) 0%|#ffffff 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(0,58,124,0.13)” background_color_gradient_end=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” top_divider_style=”waves2″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Different federal states, similar priorities \u2013 Kristina Vogt, Bremen\u2019s Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports and Transformation, and Olaf Lies, Lower Saxony\u2019s Minister for Economic Affairs, Transport, Construction and Digitalisation, outline important aspects of the future energy supply as seen by their own states.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":64656,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[297],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-64665","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-point-of-view-en"],"yoast_head":"\n\u201cA national strategy is absolutely essential.\u201d<\/h3>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t call it the \u2018North Sea Powerhouse\u2019 for nothing!\u201d<\/h3>\n