Germany first
Dear readers,
This newsletter is deeply influenced by the German federal election. Following the initial projections on Sunday evening, a lot has happened in terms of the results. As it stands on Monday morning, February 24, 2025, it now looks like a black-red coalition may also be possible (Union + SPD), and not just a black-red-green or “Kenya” coalition (Union, SPD, Greens). What is important and beneficial for our branch of industry is that, by all accounts, the designated chancellor, Friedrich Merz, intends to have finished coalition talks by Easter.
This early election should serve Hydrogen in the long run, even if recent weeks and months have been tough and those that lie ahead, especially, will be extremely challenging. An even higher number of blows are coming, so prepare yourself.
What we do get, however, is the confidence that the country now has more momentum, fresh ideas and increased energy. Economic development, the urgently needed awareness of our value as a technology leader, global production champion and world market leader will, to a large extent, be sustained by our extensive Hydrogen value chain, by OUR expertise. Over borders, across seas.
Talking of Germany, seas and the world: 2/3 of German exports leave the country by sea. In fact, in intercontinental trade I’ve been told it’s more than 90%. I’m delighted that shipping company Reederei F. Laeisz will continue to be our reliable partner in 2025. My thanks go to the entire Schües family for this valuable cooperation.
F. Laeisz is a family-owned group of companies based in Hamburg which has its main interests in shipping, trade and insurance. The group companies operate independently. Maritime transportation is the backbone of this leading German shipping company, founded in 1824, and it plays a vital part in the ship-owning scene. The fleet consists of car and truck carriers, LPG/ammonia carriers, container ships and research vessels. F. Laeisz attaches great importance to the environment and quality and works to uphold these values through its tailored services and long-standing relationships with industry customers and the public sector.
Valuable cooperation is again the theme for our partnership with Solar Promotion GmbH, the organizer of leading European trade fair The smarter E Europe. This alliance of energy industry exhibitions will take place from May 7 – 9 and will showcase an all-encompassing 24/7 energy world by shining a spotlight on renewable energies and cross-sector solutions. The halls will soon be full to bursting with top brands.
Together, let’s show the advantages we bring.
Speak today to your member of the German parliament and use our Deutscher Wasserstoff-Verband (DWV) e.V., the German Hydrogen Association, as YOUR political voice (general meeting in Berlin on February 27!). We’re here for you! I’m standing for the steering committee again and look forward to seeing you shortly in Berlin.
Let’s keep Hydrogen moving,
Silke Frank
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