Green energy transition in Hamburg

Norway and Germany have a long history of collaboration in the energy, industry and shipping sectors. To achieve their climate goals, both countries have introduced bold commitments, initiatives and measures to promote the energy transition. Cooperation in pursuit of the two countries’ goals formed the backdrop for today’s programme in Hamburg.

The Crown Prince started the day by attending a high-level roundtable conference on hydrogen energy. Norway and Germany are working together to explore value-chain opportunities in hydrogen and low-carbon energy solutions.

Norwegian and German political leaders and potential hydrogen consumers and producers were invited to the roundtable conference, which was organised by the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise and the Norwegian Embassy in Berlin.

The conference discussed the key role that German-Norwegian partnership can play in addressing climate change challenges, promoting renewable energy and strengthening green industry. Participants included Norway’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Aasland and Minster of Trade, Industry and Fisheries Jan Christian Vestre as well as prominent members of the Norwegian business community. Representatives of the northern German states presented ambitions and plans for their part of Germany.

The Crown Prince attended a roundtable conference on hydrogen energy organised by the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise and the Norwegian Embassy in Berlin. The roundtable brought together German and Norwegian public authorities and business leaders. Photo: Simen Løvberg Sund, The Royal Court

Plenary opening 

The Crown Prince also spoke at Wednesday’s plenary opening of a business conference on green restructuring at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce entitled Norway and Germany – A Strong Partnership in the Green Industrial Transition. 

The conference convened more than 400 people from Norwegian and German businesses and business organisations to enhance existing partnerships and identify new opportunities for public-private cooperation. Earlier this year, Norway and Germany agreed to establish a strategic partnership on climate, renewable energy and green industry.

“The green transition is a necessity and an opportunity. An opportunity to create new, profitable industries and jobs. To enhance our energy security. And to strengthen our bilateral relations and cooperation,” the Crown Prince said at the opening of the conference. 

The Crown Prince’s conference remarks

The Crown Prince’s remarks were followed by panel discussions on how to expand Norwegian-German cooperation between the public authorities and industrial undertakings in energy, industry and shipping, among other sectors.

The conference in Hamburg brought together more than 400 Norwegian and German business representatives. Photo: Simen Løvberg Sund, The Royal Court

Green maritime shipping

The Crown Prince’s afternoon programme included a boat trip around the Port of Hamburg, the second largest in Europe.

The maritime industry is crucial for Norway and Germany alike. Many of the world’s most advanced ships are built at Norwegian and German shipyards or are equipped with Norwegian and German gear and technology.

During the guided tour of the port, conversation centred on challenges posed by greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry and the need for a transition to greener technologies and practices. Norwegian and German participants discussed how the two countries could help to spearhead a green maritime industry in Europe and the rest of the world.

Collaboration towards greener maritime shipping was the key talking point during the visit to the Port of Hamburg, Europe’s second largest. Photo: Simen Løvberg Sund, The Royal Court

Train to Berlin

After the boat trip, the Crown Prince departed Hamburg by train for Berlin.

In Berlin he and Crown Princess Mette-Marit will take part in a commemoration of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess will also meet Germany’s Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz.