A former coal region in Germany is attempting to transform itself: At the beginning of March 2021, in the city of Cottbus, German environment minister Svenja Schulze and Minister President of Brandenburg Dietmar Woidke started work on a new center of excellence. The PtX Lab Lausitz aims to become a think tank, discussion platform and launch pad for new projects focusing on green hydrogen and its derived products within Europe. Funding comes from an investment of around EUR 180 million from the structural enhancement law in the run-up to 2024.
In the first power-to-X discussion, scientists and industry representatives exchanged views on hydrogen production and its further refinement into synthetic fuels. Svenja Schulze explained: “The think tank is set to become the first point of contact in Germany for this major industrial policy initiative.” Dietmar Woidke expanded: “The center of excellence brings high-quality jobs and also helps to boost regional value creation. I’m certain that the PtX Lab Lausitz with its demonstration plant will be a lighthouse project for the Lusatia area and for Brandenburg as a whole.”
