Copyright: PtX Lab Lausitz / Steffen Rasche
Dr.-Ing. Klaus Freytag, Commissioner for Lusatia of the Minister-President of Brandenburg, in constructive dialogue with the team of the Cottbus competence centre.
On 20 March 2025, the Lusatia Commissioner of the Minister-President of the Land Brandenburg Dr Klaus Freytag personally informed himself about the work of the PtX Lab Lausitz in Cottbus. Accompanied by Sandra Langhof-Siewert and Sophia Hüber, advisors to the Lusatia Commissioner, the initial focus was on Lusatia as an economic region and engine of structural change. The discussion also covered the role of PtX Lab Lausitz as a knowledge platform, a source of inspiration and a point of contact for industry, politics and science.
In a conversation with Dr Harry Lehmann, head of the competence centre, and his deputy Anita Demuth, it became clear that the economy and climate protection are inseparable. Lusatia's application to become a so-called ‘Net Zero Valley’, Europe's first model region for clean technologies, was therefore also part of the constructive exchange.
The competence centre is making a positive contribution to Lusatia's structural change
Since its opening in 2021, the PtX Lab Lausitz team has been actively shaping the path to greenhouse gas neutrality, focusing on synthetic fuels for aviation and maritime transport and the transformation of the chemical industry. This is also progressing in Lusatia.
In recent years, many initiatives have been launched that are now showing results, particularly in the expansion of renewable energies. This is crucial for the greenhouse gas-neutral production of ‘green’ hydrogen, which in turn is indispensable for the sustainable production of PtX products.
A successful transformation from a coal-based to a post-fossil energy region will ensure Lusatia's continued strength as a business location.
Dr Freytag certifies that PtX Lab Lausitz is an innovative pioneer that proactively drives change in the region and beyond. At the same time, the Lusatian Lab's projects create high-quality jobs in the region. The experts regularly publish recommendations and ideas on sustainability, resource efficiency and PtX technologies.
In addition, the competence centre organises specialist events, such as the quarterly digital PtX Lab Talk, and actively participates in various research and business networks. Dr Freytag acknowledges these efforts and emphasises: ‘A successful transformation from a coal-based to a post-fossil energy region will ensure that Lusatia remains a strong business location.’
