China, Germany, the USA, Scotland, Japan, and Taiwan are among the countries that have recently visited Esbjerg. The reason for the increasing interest to visit the North Sea harbor city is simple. Esbjerg is a leader in the grand-scale green transition that the entire world is now looking into.
“The delegations come, among other things, to witness our green transformation. More specifically, they are curious about how the city has shifted from being rooted in industries such as fishing, and later oil and gas, to now focusing on wind energy. All eyes are currently on Denmark, particularly on Esbjerg, and our green solutions,” explains Uffe Lundgaard, Head of Investment and International Relations at Business Esbjerg.
All eyes are currently on Denmark, particularly on Esbjerg, and our green solutions.
Uffe Lundgaard
Head of Investment and International Relations at Business Esbjerg
Green Hydrogen for Germany
Most recently, Esbjerg hosted Thekla Walker, the Minister of Environment, Climate, and Energy from Baden-Württemberg. She came to see the world’s largest seawater heat pump at DIN Forsyning. Another topic during the visit was the expected status of Esbjerg as a future green hydrogen producer – a resource that Germany is currently in need of.
The conclusion, as reported in publications such as Stuttgarter Zeitung, was that Germany should orient itself towards Denmark, especially Esbjerg, for green energy supply solutions.
“It’s fantastic that we can lead the way and inspire like that,” says Uffe.
He believes that the international interest to know more about Esbjerg gained momentum during the North Sea Summit in May 2022 where Esbjerg solidified its reputation as a rapid adopter of green energy and The Esbjerg Declaration was signed by government leaders from across Europe. The declaration contributes to maximizing the expansion of green energy at sea.
Esbjerg was at the centre of the European energy agenda during the North Sea Summit in May 2022. Photo: Esbjerg Municipality.
There were many prominent guests and government leaders from across Europe visiting Esbjerg for the North Sea Summit in 2022. Photo: Esbjerg Municipality.
Esbjerg as a positive example
When it comes to showcasing the transformation from fossil to green energy, Esbjerg stands out in a unique way:
“No other cities can showcase a green energy value chain or widespread infrastructure in this caliber. We can show how companies have transformed to produce green energy and how new businesses emerge as a result. We become the positive example that green transition is a profitable investment,” says Uffe, adding:
“No other cities can showcase a green energy value chain or widespread infrastructure in this caliber.”
Uffe Lundgaard
Head of Investment and International Relations at Business Esbjerg
“Whenever possible and sensible, we are happy to take delegations on company visits. Seeing things in real life provides a completely different understanding. For most, it’s mind-blowing to see how large the new offshore wind turbines are. Esbjerg Harbor offers this opportunity and also kindly welcome national and international delegations on their premises.”
“At the same time, it gives the local companies the opportunity to network with potential customers and showcase their capabilities. In this perspective, the visits represent a win-win situation.”
More high-profile visitors
The delegations range from small to large companies, ministers, ambassadors, and officials. Uffe notes a tendency that more and more high-profiles are visiting the city.
For instance, the Danish embassy in the USA has brought several delegations of political decision-makers as the USA gears up to work more extensively with ocean energy. Esbjerg can play a crucial role in helping them understand why investing in green offshore wind is sensible compared to coal-fired power plants.
“I believe that another side effect is an endorsement of Esbjerg companies when they make initiatives to go abroad. Potential partners might say, ‘We know them, and what they are doing with offshore wind and power-to-x is truly impressive,’” says Uffe.
Business Esbjerg assist and organize delegation visits whenever possible. Uffe recently acted as a guide for a busload of Americans at the harbor for about an hour. At other times, he is involved in a full-day program, such as when a ministerial visit from Taiwan took place in the city.
“I find that the visitors are extremely impressed by our city. We have many skilled and ambitious companies showing the way and making profit from the green transition. We wish to share that message with the rest of the world,” he concludes.
We have many skilled and ambitious companies showing the way and making profit from the green transition. We wish to share that message with the rest of the world.
Uffe Lundgaard
Head of Investment and International Relations at Business Esbjerg