Deepening Collaboration on Energy Between Hamburg and Fukushima

In a significant move towards a greener future, Hamburg's Minister of Economics and the Governor of Fukushima signed a declaration of intent on April 25, 2023, to intensify renewable energy cooperation between the two regions. This partnership, named the "Hamburg-Fukushima Partnership for Renewable Energy and Hydrogen," aims to promote bilateral cooperation through mutual visits, joint projects, and intensive information exchange.

Both Fukushima and Hamburg are leading locations in the field of renewable energy. Fukushima, renowned for its high share of green energy in the energy mix, boasts renowned research institutions and plays a significant role as a hydrogen supplier. On the other hand, Hamburg, known as a leading location in Europe for wind power and hydrogen, is set to receive one of Europe's most modern waste centers.

The free trade agreement between the EU and Japan serves as an important driver of the cooperation between Fukushima and Hamburg in the field of renewable energy and other future industries. Many projects in the field of energy policy contribute to the decarbonization of the local economy in both Fukushima and Hamburg.

The energy crisis could serve as an accelerator for renewable energy, and the partnership aims to capitalise on this momentum. A network of politics, administration, industry, and science is to be created to support companies in issues such as market expansion and investments. Hamburg's steel production will receive 55 million euros for the use of green hydrogen.

Experts from both countries will exchange more intensively, and market opportunities for renewable energy technologies in both regions will be examined. A study series on the potentials and limits of green hydrogen has been initiated to further support this collaboration.

Cooperation in renewable energy between Fukushima and Hamburg has been ongoing since 2012, with ongoing dialogues and visits related to hydrogen technology between the two regions. This partnership marks a significant step forward in strengthening the ties between these two pioneering regions in the field of renewable energy.