A simple phrase that I often follow in my work. Because many good ideas are created. But they only gain real value when we manage to turn them into concrete steps, connect the right people and start implementing them.
At the beginning of this year, the idea emerged to take the Hydrogen Platform of the Innovation Centre of the Karlovy Vary Region beyond the borders of the region – and, in fact, beyond the borders of the Czech Republic as well.
The Karlovy Vary Region borders Bavaria and Saxony. On both sides of the border, we have companies, research organisations, technologies, know-how and concrete projects. So why not create a platform that connects the Czech and German sides?
Several months passed between the initial idea and its implementation. The preparation was not easy, and the meeting took place later than we had originally planned.
We expected approximately thirty participants. In the end, on 17 September, almost fifty of us from both the Czech and German sides came together in Hranice near Aš.
The level of interest itself therefore exceeded our original expectations.
People First. Projects Second.
The day began with informal networking in the beautiful premises of the library in Hranice near Aš. And once again, it became clear just how important face-to-face meetings are.
Networking is not just about exchanging business cards. It is a space for discussing concrete projects and establishing new contacts, but also an opportunity to get to know existing partners in a slightly different way than during a business meeting.
And sometimes, a conversation like this creates a connection that we would never have planned in advance.
One of the people I met there, for example, was a representative involved in the development of cross-border tourist and cycling routes between Czechia and Bavaria. At first glance, a topic far removed from hydrogen.
Within a few minutes, however, we were discussing cross-border railways, tourist trains, connections between spa towns, bicycle and e-bike rental services, as well as connecting transport services.
Suddenly, it became clear that this topic also fits very naturally into the broader concept of cross-border mobility.
This is precisely why platforms like this make sense.
From Individual Topics to Joint Projects
The morning networking was followed by a professional programme that brought together representatives of the Karlovy Vary Region, Bavaria and Saxony, companies, research organisations and regional organisations.
We talked about regional energy, hydrogen, infrastructure, mobility, research and education, as well as concrete technologies – from geothermal energy and natural hydrogen to hydrogen production from biomass.
Another important topic was the future cooperation between the Karlovy Vary Region and Bavaria.
And this is not only about hydrogen. It is about how to better connect energy, infrastructure, mobility, research, education and know-how across the border.
In my final presentation, I therefore introduced cross-border project opportunities and the concept that we are working on together with our Bavarian partners.
Its principle is simple:
A border should not divide energy systems that can function together.
And Finally, Reality
After the presentations, we visited Farma Trojmezí, where we moved from visions and project concepts to the practical use of hydrogen.
In fact, it was a symbolic conclusion to the entire day.
Organising the Czech-German Hydrogen Platform was demanding. But in my view, the result exceeded our expectations.
Not only in terms of the number of participants, but above all because of what began to happen between them during a single day.
New contacts were established. New topics were opened. Projects were connected. And discussions began about further concrete meetings and opportunities for cooperation.
And that is exactly what I believe a platform should do.
Not just talk about the future.
But connect the people who can create it together.
From vision to implementation.
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