„The Ruhr Area Has people who are eager“

Stefan Heselschwerdt: We are currently discussing investments. Institutional investors, such as insurance companies or funds, have money that needs to be invested. For example, Patrizia property funds already invest half of their funds in infrastructure, with property being subordinate to this. Swiss Life and others are also moving in this direction. There are significant opportunities and potential for growth in the area of technical infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and e-mobility hubs. We believe that new asset classes will emerge, including infrastructure and data centres. As the funds must be invested, they are not lost.

Mareike Haak: Energy supply, including energy and cost security, is crucial. Location choice is heavily influenced by energy considerations, particularly renewable energy.  Energy supply now plays a significant role in project planning from an early stage, unlike five years ago. Hydrogen is an essential component of industrial projects.

Stefan Heselschwerdt: Hydrogen is a promising solution for the future, particularly for energy-intensive industrial processes such as steel production. Electrolysers are already being constructed, including by our company. We are proud to be building one of the largest electrolysers in Germany, with a capacity of 340 MW, in Emden. Our commitment to this technology will only grow. We believe that the Ruhr region, where many of our major customers are located, has a bright future in this regard.

Stefan Heselschwerdt: If they leave only the shell of the building, they not only save a tremendous amount of CO₂, as it is generated during cement production, but also the costs associated with the construction of the shell. They also avoid excavation issues, which is an economic advantage. The risk, however, lies in not knowing all the details of the building. One must take the time to become familiar with the structure. How sturdy is the shell? How much steel is embedded, and is it positioned correctly? Substances, whether bound or unbound, become a significant concern. Crucially, setting aside reserves for risks is necessary. Upon closer examination, one often finds that this approach is more cost-effective in the end, saving both CO₂ and time, as there is no need to construct a new shell.

Stefan Heselschwerdt: Digitalisation is a widely discussed topic, but what is the ultimate goal? The focus should not be on the planning process, which should work effectively regardless. Instead, the goal is to ensure that buildings collect data and adjust consumption accordingly.

Mareike Haak: In many existing buildings, there is insufficient information about energy consumption. Fortunately, there is technology available that can be retrofitted with minimal effort to capture and analyse consumption.

Stefan Heselschwerdt: Cybersecurity is crucial as technology can be a gateway for potential hacker attacks, which will become increasingly important in the future.

Stefan Heselschwerdt: I came from Baden-Württemberg to North Rhine-Westphalia in 2010, from a state that is successful but also saturated. I then started here and founded our office in Dortmund, getting to know the Ruhr area as an innovative region. I encountered people who think about what they can really change and drive forward. Look at projects like Phoenixsee in Dortmund, the Zollverein area in Essen, or Mark 51°7 in Bochum. It's amazing what developments have been achieved there. The Ruhr area has people who are eager to make things happen.

Mareike Haak: I find the people in the Ruhr area to be highly curious and experimental. In other regions, I often sense that those with reservations take centre stage. However, in the Ruhr area, discussions are always future-oriented. If you have good ideas and a willingness to experiment, you are in the right place and can quickly make connections with like-minded partners. 

Stefan Heselschwerdt: For success, one thing is necessary: having people from the Ruhr area who identify with it. Flying in and out doesn't work, as we have observed. The Ruhr area has a high number of well-educated individuals, thanks in part to its universities. Mareike Haak is a prime example; she hails from Wetter and strongly identifies with the region. It is important to give people their own responsibilities early on, even among working students.

Mareike Haak: The university landscape in the Ruhr area is strong, and we have well-trained individuals.   However, it is often difficult to retain them here, and they migrate elsewhere. As a company, you should develop a mechanism to provide these individuals with a perspective. They are capable of shaping and implementing things effectively here. It is worth staying.