"Remscheid serves as a covert hub for innovators"

"Secretive Innovation Hub Found in Remscheid"

Remscheid, a city of around 110,000 residents, finds itself nestled between Düsseldorf and Cologne, with a robust industrial presence. Peter Heinze, the city's building department head, discusses this in the latest "Climate-Lab" on ntv, stating that while visiting the companies, one can witness fire and heat, signs of the demand for their products. However, the steel forges and tool manufacturers recognize that if they wish to compete globally in the future, they must overhaul or replace their energy systems and furnaces. Yet, Heinze remarks that solving this issue is more challenging in heavy industries where metals are intensely heated with gas, as alternative technologies are either in their infancy, unaffordable, or nonexistent.

ntv.de: Conversations with Remscheid's residents often reveal a negative sentiment towards the city, with some going as far as suggesting moves to Cologne and Düsseldorf. Is it fair to call Remscheid outdated?

Peter Heinze: Not at all. Remscheid is an industrial town, home to numerous automotive suppliers and metallurgical industries. Remscheid is known as the Tool City, and wandering through the companies, one finds themselves surrounded by fire and heat from metal processing. These products continue to be in high demand globally, solidifying Remscheid as a modern production site.

Did you hand out miniature screwdrivers to the attendees of the Future Cleantech Festival?

Yes, of course. These screwdrivers, renowned for their durability, are emblematic of Remscheid's tool industry. The city continually pushes for advancements, demonstrated by companies like Kirschen, a manufacturer of files and planes for carpenters. They have updated their products by incorporating colorful handles made from repurposed skateboards, appealing to new customer bases and even branching out into the production of musical instruments.

Are these the world's best guitars?

Indeed, they are. It's intriguing to observe how companies capitalize on such innovations and discover new, loyal clientele for their goods. Additionally, Remscheid boasts top companies in mechanical engineering, although their contributions may not always be evident in public perception. Ultimately, Remscheid is more than its popular image.

Why do many Remscheid residents perceive their city differently?

The shift away from domestic production is a significant factor. While much manufacturing has moved to China, Remscheid maintains niche products and companies that have evolved into high-end solutions, particularly in the automotive supplier industry. There are also firms that transform themselves, such as Vaillant, which now offer heating pumps instead of their previous products. This evolution sometimes goes unnoticed. Of course, there are companies with environmentally unfriendly production methods, which require innovative thinking and engineering skills to improve.

Do you feel that you need more support from the federal government in Berlin?

There has been a focus on other topics, such as servicing and digitalization, in recent years. While these subjects are important, production remains crucial in contributing to our economy's value. Touching and interacting with tangible goods offers unique value that should be preserved and fostered.

Is keeping production in Germany your ultimate goal?

Yes, Remscheid was once the primary metal forging hub in Germany. Although much production has been outsourced, high-quality and competitive firms remain. These companies now face challenges, such as image concerns and fierce competition. However, we must recognize the intrinsic value of haptic interaction and strive to make a living by preserving this aspect of our culture.

Can you explain the challenges of shifting to cleaner technologies, considering heavy industries' reliance on natural gas and high energy consumption, which often results in high CO2 emissions?

The Future Cleantech Festival illustrates that the industry is embracing this challenge enthusiastically. A surprising number of Remscheid companies are both participating in and supporting the event. This willingness to adapt and produce with fewer CO2 emissions does present difficulties in heavy industries, where metals are intensely heated with gas, due to inadequately developed or unaffordable alternative technologies. Yet, there are remarkable firms like Dirostahl, which produce substantial parts for wind turbines, acknowledging the need to reduce emissions while maintaining their high energy demands.

Are the companies also investing in new technologies?

Absolutely. Remscheid is home to hidden innovators, a trait that persists to this day. The NRW Bank recently verified that Remscheid's companies are investing significantly in research and development. In the last 15 years, these investments have more than doubled, reaching 900 million euros in the Bergisch City Triangle. However, it is worth noting that positive developments within Remscheid are not always loudly broadcasted.

Wouldn't it be beneficial to promote these advancements more often, to dispel the widespread feeling of despair and loss associated with the shift towards climate protection policies?

Certainly, do we want to lose our cultural touch with craftsmanship and the ability to physically interact with the products we make? This discussion is important and a debate that should be had, as manufacturing remains essential in our society, offering an opportunity to preserve our rich history of craftsmanship and create value for future generations.

In my chest, two pulses sync, as I navigate the changing trends. The terms to focus on are "Heating Law" and "Energy Transition". These aren't just buzzwords anymore, they're reality. I've got to lay out why, thanks to building regulations, an object needs to be heated to 65% using renewable energy sources. The price hike is definite. It's a tough transformation process that puts a strain on both the construction sector and higher interest rates. To make it more manageable, it's time to reconsider individual standards, not just environmental ones.

After the catastrophe at Düsseldorf Airport, residential building safety standards have been significantly amped up. Now, every structure comes equipped with a second exit route, which has led to substantial cost increments. It'd be smart if federal and state politics took a second look to see if they can find a way to ease the burden on construction and building owners.

As a FDP member, govern alongside a traffic light like Berlin, how's the implementation of the Heating Law faring in Remscheid? It's running smoothly, blessedly free of public squabbles. It's less complicated in a municipal setting, as public attention isn't as intense. Now we're conducting heating planning and figuring out a solution. My fellow party member, a CDU member, is spearheading this. Given that Remscheid has Vaillant, a heat pump manufacturer, I'm all for their frequent usage (laughs).

Did it irritate me that the FDP demonstrated strong opposition towards the heat pump in Berlin? We need to devise local solutions to create a balanced energy mix in buildings. I find it unfortunate that we don't have the funding solutions yet, allowing investors and property owners to immediately outfit their properties with heat pumps. Nevertheless, collaboration between administration and city council is crucial to get these projects off the ground. That's the key. We can't let ourselves be split apart. It may sound simple-minded, but that's usually where contentment among citizens is born.

Clara Pfeffer and Christian Herrmann spoke with Peter Heinze. The conversation was condensed and polished for easier comprehension. You can listen to the entire conversation in the podcast "Klima-Labor".