State-wide initiative advances efforts to establish Schleswig-Holstein as a Net Zero Valley.
Schleswig-Holstein aims to take a leading role in the transition to climate-neutral industry: last Friday, 16 economic development agencies, chambers and other institutions across the state signed a joint cooperation agreement, laying the groundwork for an application to become a European Net Zero Valley. For the first time, the partners are pooling their activities in a state-wide alliance to position Schleswig-Holstein as a model region for climate-neutral industry at European level. The aim is to raise the profile of the state's strengths and further improve the conditions for sustainable industrial growth.
Ideally positioned to take a pioneering role in Europe
The initiative is based on the European Net-Zero Industry Act. Through this legislation, the EU supports regions that combine the expansion of renewable energy with industrial development and more efficient permitting procedures.
Schleswig-Holstein offers excellent conditions for this: a strong energy sector, extensive expertise in renewable energy, modern infrastructure and competitive businesses across key value chains. These strengths will be connected more closely and developed further.
The initiative aims to encourage the establishment and development of climate-friendly technologies, improve access to European funding programmes and raise the region's international profile as a business location.
A broad alliance for Schleswig-Holstein as an industrial location
Under the umbrella of the Net Zero Valley initiative, economic development agencies, chambers of commerce and industry, and other regional organisations are working closely together. Their cooperation reflects a shared ambition: to advance the transition to a climate-neutral economy through a coordinated, practical approach that extends beyond regional boundaries. The partners contribute their experience, networks and expertise to prepare a compelling application and provide strategic support for Schleswig-Holstein's development as an industrial location.
Investment lays the foundation
The partners are jointly providing funding for the application phase. This will cover project management, coordination, communications, events and specialist support, among other activities.
This investment lays the foundation for the professional delivery of the next steps and enables the partners to pursue their shared goals efficiently.
Clear governance and central coordination
A joint steering group will set the initiative's strategic direction. It will be responsible for key decisions and oversee the project's further development. Clean Energy Valley Schleswig-Holstein (CEV SH) will handle operational coordination of the Net Zero Valley application. As the central point of contact, the network will ensure coordination among all participants.
Next steps in the application process
The coming months will focus on preparing and submitting the application to become a Net Zero Valley. At the same time, existing projects, sites and areas of expertise will be connected more closely to advance industrial development across the state.
The cooperation agreement now in place provides the foundation for these efforts. It strengthens Schleswig-Holstein's competitive position in Europe and opens up new opportunities for innovation, investment and employment.
A clear commitment to business, innovation and climate action
With the Net Zero Valley initiative, Schleswig-Holstein is demonstrating a clear commitment to combining economic development with climate action. The close cooperation between the partners underlines their ambition to actively shape the industrial transition and establish the region as a key player in Europe's climate-neutral economy.
Responsible for this press release: KiWi, Kieler Wirtschaftsförderungs- und Strukturentwicklungs GmbH
Yvonne Smith, Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications
Tel. +49 431 2484-290, Email: