Given its history as a producer of coal and steel, it was only time before Essen staked its claim in the energy market and reinvent itself as the central hub in Germany’s energy industry. Essen’s energy industry stands at the forefront of energy innovation, sustainability, and research. With its concentration of industry giants, Essen is shaping the energy landscape of Germany and Europe. Home to two of Germany's largest energy companies, RWE and E.ON, Essen is a powerhouse in the energy sector. These companies, along with 250 other firms and institutions, form a vibrant ecosystem that employs 15,000 people dedicated to resource efficiency. This network controls 40% of the nationwide electricity grid. One of the most notable innovations originating from Essen is AmpaCity, an underground superconducting cable that supplies the city center with nearly loss-free electricity. This 10,000-volt cable is a world-first and demonstrates the city’s superiority in pioneering energy technologies. Such advancements are critical as the world moves towards more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. Essen, of course, has made other contributions to stable power supply with the “virtual battery” concept. The Essen aluminium smelter serves as a massive virtual battery, with a capacity of around 1,120 megawatt hours. This innovation helps to stabilize the power grid by compensating for fluctuations, ensuring a reliable electricity supply. Hydrogen technology is another area where Essen is making significant strides. The city’s H2think tank and its comprehensive H2vision aim to position Essen as a leading hydrogen city. By fostering numerous companies and competencies along the hydrogen value chain, Essen is advancing the development and implementation of hydrogen as a key energy source for the future. Essen’s status as an innovation platform is further reinforced by the newly founded ""Leading-Edge Cluster Industrial Innovations"" of North Rhine-Westphalia.