New initiative positions Dresden as an innovative location for green hydrogen technologies
Dresden, January 17, 2024
Today, the Managing Director of Linde Engineering Dresden, the CEO of Sunfire and the Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Technologies and Systems IKTS presented the "HyDresden" initiative to the public. The aim of the initiative is to position the city as an innovator and pioneer for green hydrogen technologies and to jointly promote the location internationally. One of the goals of HyDresden is to attract specialists in this field. With the foundation, the initiators are now joining forces.
The transition to a decarbonized economy is one of the greatest challenges and opportunities of our time. According to a June 2023 Deloitte study, by 2050, the green hydrogen market will grow to a trade volume of 600 million metric tons and a global turnover of 1.4 trillion dollars worldwide. Dresden is already one of the leading regions in Europe, with companies and institutions that have been developing technologies, components and systems in this field for decades. HyDresden now wants to make this even more visible, both nationally and internationally.
"There is hardly any other place where research and development, technology pioneers and global companies in the field of hydrogen production and marketing are so close together. These are unique conditions for anyone who wants to play an active role in shaping the future of a sustainable economy," says Nils Aldag, co-founder and CEO of Sunfire.
HyDresden is supported by the City of Dresden and the Free State of Saxony. "The city of Dresden is determined to create a sustainable and competitive hydrogen economy. Attracting talents is a high priority for us," says Jan Pratzka, Dresden's Mayor for Economic Affairs.
Martin Dulig, Saxon State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor and Transport: "Hydrogen is both a great opportunity and a necessity for Saxony's economy. For young talents, the emerging industry offers countless career opportunities and at the same time the motivation to make the world a better and greener place. I am therefore delighted about this joint initiative between industry and science, which highlights these opportunities.
A platform that promotes the attractiveness of the location
HyDresden aims to sustainably develop and secure the innovative power and competitiveness of Dresden's hydrogen technologies. For this reason, the initiative focuses on recruiting skilled employees. Over the next few weeks, a talent hub will be created on the website hydresden.com, which will not only present the hydrogen ecosystem in Dresden, but also highlight the city as a metropolis worth living in.
"We are in international competition for the best minds, especially when it comes to high technology. It is therefore crucial for us to emphasize not only our attractiveness as an employer, but also the city's exceptionally high quality of life for skilled employees and their families," explains Dr. Reinhart Vogel, Managing Director of Linde Engineering in Dresden.
"We are proud to be part of this project. Together, we have developed from pioneers to technology leaders – with outstanding unique selling points worldwide. We live this spirit every day and invite everyone to come and see for themselves", says Prof. Alexander Michaelis, Director of the Fraunhofer IKTS.
In addition to direct outreach to skilled employees, which will begin in January, HyDresden is planning other innovation projects for networking and talent development. In addition, a camp will be organized in spring where talented people can get to know the city of Dresden and its hydrogen stakeholders.
About HyDresden
HyDresden is an initiative founded by Linde, Sunfire and Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS. Its goal is to promote hydrogen technology in the Dresden metropolitan region. HyDresden is particularly committed to the development of skilled employees, innovation, entrepreneurship and diversity.
On the associated platform hydresden.com the initiative bundles information about projects, partnerships and above all Dresden's historical pioneering role in hydrogen technologies. HyDresden.com serves as a central contact point for following the progress and innovations in the field of green hydrogen in the Dresden metropolitan region.
The Dresden-based consulting firm Wildstyle Network is speaker of the HyDresden initiative. It plays a central role in project coordination and development of the mission, vision, content and strategies.