20 years of the Leuna-Dialog trade fair: A strong signal for the future

In its anniversary year, the Leuna Dialogue trade fair once again impressively demonstrated the importance of the exchange between industry, research and politics, research and politics is. With more than 120 exhibitors and many interested visitors, the trade fair sent a strong signal for the cohesion and cohesion and the innovative strength of chemistry and industry in Leuna.

Yesterday it took place for the 20th time in the cCe Kulturhaus Leuna. As always, the trade fair was organized by InfraLeuna GmbH, operator and infrastructure infrastructure service provider at the Leuna chemical site. As in previous years, the trade fair was fully booked within a very short time. There was great interest beyond the borders of Saxony-Anhalt and the majority of exhibitors are planning to take part again next year.

Dr. Christof Günther, Managing Director of InfraLeuna, and Prof. Dr. Thomas Brockmeier, Managing Director of the Halle-Dessau Chamber of Industry and Commerce, jointly opened the trade fair. Dr. Christof Günther emphasized the difficult situation in the chemical industry. He called for a 100-day program with clear measures by the federal government to achieve urgently needed results quickly. Despite the difficult situation, he expressed confidence in Leuna as a chemical site and highlighted the extraordinary investments and construction projects - such as those of UPM Biochemicals, TOPAS Advanced Polymers, the DLR project and Linde's electrolysis projects - as well as the essential infrastructure measures on the part of InfraLeuna and the prospects for Leuna III. “If a location
can defy these times, then it is the Leuna chemical site,” Christof Günther is convinced. “In particular, we will continue to increase the flexibility of our energy system and ensure the best conditions at the site on an ongoing basis,” says Christof Günther.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Brockmeier expressed his enthusiasm for the conditions at the Leuna chemical site and the great acceptance of the industry in Leuna and Saxony-Anhalt. In particular, he emphasized the importance of the Verbund system and the high
associated high added value at the chemical site, which must be maintained. “The value chain is really long because we have basic industries here, so we must never tire of explaining what happens here and why it is so important,” said Brockmeier.

The Mayor of Leuna, Michael Bedla, and Sebastian Müller-Bahr, Mayor of Merseburg, also addressed the exhibitors and visitors to the trade fair. Merseburg, addressed the exhibitors and visitors to the trade fair.

Despite the current challenges in the chemical industry, the mood at the trade fair was characterized by optimism and drive. Companies presented new technologies and sustainable solutions, while specialist presentations and discussion panels provided valuable impetus for the future of the location. The lecture program focused in particular on the topics of energy efficiency, hydrogen, CO₂ capture and storage as well as alternative raw materials - key factors for the competitiveness of the industry.

InfraLeuna reported on the energy system at the Leuna chemical site, the associated challenges and concepts. Jens Halliger, Head of Energy/Water, emphasized that the challenges posed by the national energy transition and international pressure on energy costs can only be met with maximum flexibility and efficiency of the plant fleet, whereby supply reliability remains the top priority for customers.
Among other things, concepts such as intelligent power plant, sector coupling, the further decoupling of electricity and heat generation and the increased use of waste heat, which together enable an optimized and sustainable energy portfolio.

In the afternoon, visitors to the trade fair were also able to find out from Linde's presentation how the company is contributing to achieving climate neutrality with innovative technologies. Using examples from ongoing projects, technological solutions in the areas of hydrogen and CO₂ capture, utilization and storage were presented. It became clear that large-scale implementation is possible - provided the right framework conditions for investment are created.

In its contribution, UPM Biochemicals also provided information on the planned commissioning of the new UPM biorefinery in Leuna. It will be ramped up in the second half of 2025 and is expected to reach full capacity in 2027. The refinery will provide unique materials that will enable brand owners to switch to more sustainable products. Renewable functional fillers (RFF) replace fossil carbon black in plastics and rubber - for example in tires - with a lower carbon footprint and comparable or better properties. In addition, another product stream replaces fossil glycols, which are used in PET packaging, polyester fibers and products from the textile, construction, refrigeration and heating technology sectors.

The 20th anniversary was not only a reason to celebrate, but also an opportunity to develop new perspectives. “The large number of participants and the positive feedback show that our network is strong and that we are working together on the future of the location,” emphasizes Dr. Christof Günther. “This trade fair has once again proven that it is more than just an exhibition - it is a platform for innovation and new collaborations.”