Over the past few months, I have been spending my time alternately in meetings in Czechia, Bavaria and Saxony. As a result, I find myself thinking more and more often about one simple question.
Energy knows no borders. So why should projects?
When we talk about a hydrogen project, most people imagine an electrolyser, a refuelling station or hydrogen vehicles.
In reality, however, hydrogen is only one part of a much larger whole.
Energy is not only about producing electricity or hydrogen. It is about finding connections. About how to connect energy production, transport, industry, education and the needs of regions in a way that makes sense as a whole.
This is precisely where, in my view, the most interesting projects emerge.
We often think within the boundaries of one city, one region or one country. But neither energy nor economic development recognises national borders.
If there is a partner just a few kilometres across the border facing similar challenges, why not look for joint solutions?
It is not only about energy.
It is about better connections between cities and regions, more accessible transport, easier travel, the development of spa tourism and tourism in general, cooperation between companies, education, research and new employment opportunities.
Suddenly, it is no longer about one project.
Something much bigger begins to emerge.
This is exactly what I am experiencing today in my cooperation with partners in Bavaria and Saxony. Every additional meeting confirms to me that the most interesting opportunities often do not emerge within individual countries, but precisely where we look for common goals.
Perhaps that is why the greatest challenge is not developing a new technology.
The real challenge is to connect people, ideas and projects in a way that creates long-term benefits.
And perhaps today, it is precisely at borders that new opportunities, rather than barriers, are emerging.
I focus on the development of cross-border energy projects and infrastructure strategies in a European context.
Kristýna Váchalová
Business Development | Cross-Border Energy Projects | Hydrogen Strategies | HyConnect