Sunfire Founders awarded with the Social Market Economy Prize
Dresden, June 13, 2024
Nils Aldag and Christian von Olshausen receive the "Social Market Economy Prize" 2024
On June 13, 2024, Nils Aldag, founder and CEO of Sunfire, and Christian von Olshausen, founder and CTO of Sunfire, were awarded the Social Market Economy Prize (“Preis Soziale Marktwirtschaft”). The award by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation was presented for the 21st time and is aimed at individuals and institutions who have made outstanding contributions to the economic and social order.
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation highlights that Aldag and Olshausen have demonstrated trough their entrepreneurial activities, how innovation can be successfully transformed into economically viable products in Germany. In the face of global competition, it is repeatedly shown that Germany has first-class innovations. "Driven by passion and personal risk, they have transformed their company, Sunfire, into a beacon of hope for the energy transition."
Sunfire, a globally leading electrolysis company with more than 650 employees, has the vision to free the world from fossil fuels. The Dresden-based company aims to replace fossil fuels with green hydrogen, making a valuable contribution to the fight against climate change. Additionally, green hydrogen offers new future prospects for the transformation of traditional industries.
Nils Aldag underlined: “The electrolysis industry is a once-in-a-century opportunity for Germany and plays to Germany’s strengths as an industrial location.”
Christian von Olshausen stated: "The hydrogen industry can become a major industrial driver in Eastern Germany, offering new prospects. This region combines qualified talent, an excellent research environment, and a traditional entrepreneurial spirit."
The award was presented by Dr. Christoph Brand, Chairman of the "Social Market Economy Prize" jury and Treasurer of the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation: “Mr. Aldag and Mr. von Olshausen have demonstrated in an outstanding way how the principles of the social market economy can be successfully put into practice. Their achievements are a shining example of how economic activity and social responsibility can go hand in hand. They are a perfect illustration of what the social market economy still stands for today.”
Following the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Veronika Grimm, Member of the German Council of Economic Experts, led a fireside chat on "Hydrogen – Innovative Energy of the Future." The discussion covered the crucial role of green hydrogen for the decarbonization of industry and the necessary framework conditions for a successful market ramp-up.