North Friesland Blog Information on current topics
Four days of the international wind industry, numerous discussions, and many new contacts: From September 22 to 25, EE.SH was represented at WindEnergy Hamburg 2026. At the WTSH joint booth, the network agency used the trade show to discuss current topics related to the energy transition, strengthen existing relationships, and forge new connections for Schleswig-Holstein.
Right from the opening, it became clear just how international the challenges of the energy transition must be viewed. In the presentations by Beatriz and Rajesh, cross-border collaboration played a central role: The further expansion of renewables cannot be achieved alone, but requires dialogue, shared solutions, and international cooperation. This idea was a recurring theme throughout the rest of the trade show.
EE.SH, together with Energieküste, highlighted its own area of expertise during a panel discussion at the WTSH joint booth. The discussion focused on the hydrogen economy and the planned Net Zero Valley Schleswig-Holstein.
Moderated by Katja Rosenburg of EE.SH and Kirsten Voss of Energieküste, Steffen Volk of Clean Energy Valley Schleswig-Holstein, Julius Basler-Meier from H2Perform, and Reinhard Christiansen from the community energy sector discussed the opportunities that the Net Zero Valley presents for Schleswig-Holstein and the conditions necessary for its further development.
Among other things, the discussion focused on planning certainty and reliable framework conditions for investment, the role of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the question of how key technologies, expertise, and industrial value creation can be strengthened in the long term in Schleswig-Holstein and Europe.
Joschka Knuth, State Secretary for the Energy Transition, also took time during WindEnergy to pay an extended visit to the joint booth. In a conversation with EE.SH, they discussed current developments related to wind energy and the energy transition in Schleswig-Holstein. This also provided an opportunity to address questions and suggestions raised by visitors to EE.SH during the trade show.
There was a strikingly high level of interest in the topics of community energy and community wind power. Numerous trade show attendees specifically sought out discussions about opportunities for participation and the framework conditions for community wind projects. These questions and impressions were immediately incorporated into the discussion with the state secretary.
Community wind power has long been an important issue for EE.SH. Together with ARGE NETZ, Bürgerenergie, and Cimbergy, the Netzwerkagentur has published what is now the fifth, revised edition of the “Community Wind Farm” guide. It brings together practical experience and provides guidance on everything from planning and public participation to financing, permitting, and operation.
The visit by Regional Bishop Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt also demonstrated that important discussions do not always have to be planned in advance. EE.SH and Energieküste took the opportunity to engage in a personal exchange about Schleswig-Holstein as a hub for renewable energy and the related developments in the state.
In addition to such spontaneous encounters, WindEnergy also provided a space for established networks. The mEErFrauen gathered for a group lunch at the trade show. The network brings together women from the onshore and offshore wind industries as well as other sectors of the energy transition, and creates opportunities for professional exchange, networking, and greater visibility for women in the energy sector.
Just how important networking is—even beyond individual organizations and regions—was evident on Wednesday evening at “The German Wind Industry Invites You to Wine.” EE.SH brought the industry together at the Offshore Stage in collaboration with BIS Wirtschaftsförderung Bremerhaven, BWO, Erneuerbare Energien Hamburg (EEHH), Energieküste, THE BLUE BEACH, WAB, and WindEnergy Network.
In a relaxed atmosphere, new connections were made, existing relationships were strengthened, and conversations from the trade show days were continued. The joint presence of various networks in particular demonstrates the added value that collaboration across organizational and national boundaries can bring to the wind industry.
In addition to talks and events, it was above all the numerous conversations at the joint booth and in the exhibition halls that defined WindEnergy for EE.SH. New companies and contacts were added, existing relationships were strengthened, and initial ideas for potential collaborations and joint projects were exchanged.
As a result, a trade show like WindEnergy serves an important purpose for EE.SH: addressing industry issues, connecting stakeholders, sharing knowledge, and bringing the network’s concerns to the right people.
After four days in Hamburg, what remains is not just a look back at an international industry trade show. Many of the discussions are only now beginning to have a tangible impact. EE.SH is bringing new contacts, ideas, and topics back to Schleswig-Holstein and will continue the dialogue even after WindEnergy concludes.
All photos © Lars Franzen
