Quo vadis, energy transition in Hamburg? Interview with Environmental Senator Katharina Fegebank

Ms Fegebank, thank you for taking our questions about the current status of the energy transition in Hamburg. Let’s get straight to the point: the requirements facing city states in regard to the energy transition differ from those affecting territorial states. Can you describe the priorities of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and its Authority for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agribusiness (BUKEA) and the specific challenges it is facing?

"In terms of the energy transition, Hamburg has placed a clear focus on decarbonisation and the integration of renewable energies within urban infrastructure. Municipal companies such as Hamburger Energiewerke and Energienetze are important players that lead by example in this context. As a city state, we face the particular challenge that land is scarce and in high demand, which means that areas in which we can accommodate wind power or photovoltaic systems – as two examples – are very limited. We have responded by clearly prioritising the multiple use of space, such as building roofs for photovoltaics. In addition, we support innovative approaches such as car park PV and agrivoltaics to ensure layered space utilisation here as well.

Another challenge is the switch from fossil fuels to heat pumps and other technologies in order to heat homes. Although heat pumps are largely standard in new builds and significant progress is noticeable in the conversion of older buildings. But consumers and operators are still grappling with uncertainty due to the abolition of the “Heating Act”, as stated in the government’s coalition agreement. In Hamburg, we are therefore calling for a dependable framework in heat supply. We have also put together a detailed package of advice, information and support services to counteract the uncertainty.

These are stiff challenges, but acting as role models also comes with the opportunity to shape the transformation of heat supply in a sustainable and visible way – far beyond the borders of Hamburg itself. We are convinced that we have selected the right path and, as a city, are investing heavily in the energy infrastructure – around €4.5 billion in the next five years alone."

If we take a look at the energy transition in Hamburg, which milestones on the way to climate neutrality have already been reached?

"Remunicipalisation of the electricity, gas and central district heating networks has given Hamburg economically viable structures and has ensured one other thing above all: sovereignty over our energy policies. Today, as a city, our companies are actively shaping the energy transition. Feedback has shown that municipal control can be an effective model for successful energy transition.

Other milestones include innovative projects such as the Karoline and Wedel power-to-heat plants, which can be used to integrate renewable electricity directly into the district heating supply. We have already started to convert the Tiefstack and Wedel power plants, and the decommissioning and now almost completed dismantling of the Moorburg power plant also deserves a mention. Doing so enabled the construction of a 100 MW electrolyser at the Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub (HGHH), as well as the establishment of the hydrogen transport network. This is a genuine milestone, as it has propelled Hamburg into the hydrogen age and is now considered a nationwide frontrunner in this field."

What is being done to ensure fulfilment of or compliance with Hamburg’s climate plan?

"Hamburg's climate targets are enshrined in the Hamburg Climate Protection Act and in our coalition agreement: By 2030, our intention is to achieve a 70 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to 1990 and to reach carbon neutrality by 2045 at the latest, preferably earlier. The law requires the Senate to report to Parliament and the public every two years on the status of target achievement, with the next report due at the end of 2025. We will use this report to analyse whether Hamburg is on the right track. If not, we will use the opportunity to make adjustments."

How do you intend to increase the share of renewable energies in the years ahead from less than a quarter of electricity production compared to the benchmark year 2023?

"Our PV strategy details a massive – smart – expansion of PV, which will also include storage solutions. In regard to wind energy, we plan to designate new wind priority areas as quickly as possible and to exploit individual sites in the port area. We want to achieve the area contribution factor from the Wind Energy Area Requirements Act much earlier, namely by 31 December 2027 instead of 2032."

What specific plans has the authority adopted to drive the expansion of wind energy in Hamburg (in accordance with the Wind Energy Demand Act: 0.5 % of the state's area by 2032) and what challenges do you see in this regard?

"As mentioned earlier, the competition for scarce space and varied, often conflicting, interests are the main challenges. Compounding this situation is the sheer complexity of making changes to the land utilisation plan and landscape programme. What matters here is to weigh up the various interests and identify good compromises. Specifically, for example, a separate report was used to analyse the entire port and to identify potential areas and current obstacles such as issues of species protection, heritage protection or the law on hazardous incidents. Erneuerbare Hafenenergie GmbH is using the findings to hold intensive talks with the port companies in order to promote continued expansion of wind energy at the port."

What can be done to accelerate PV expansion in Hamburg?

"Aside from significant expansion, our photovoltaic strategy has defined three goals: creating synergies, adopting meaningful measures to break down barriers and visualising successes – to show that investing in PV is actually an obvious choice. Installing a balcony power station, for example, is no longer a costly affair. We offer comprehensive advisory services, for example through the Energielotsen (Energy Pilots), as well as target group-specific and practical information on our central website and best practice examples to emulate. We plan to also develop further measures, including in terms of funding."

The coalition agreement states that “at least 80 percent of suitable roof spaces should be used for PV by 2030”. Does FHH/BUKEA already have a concept for achieving this ambitious goal within five years?

"Yes, it does. In addition to the measures already mentioned, the expansion on municipal buildings will be promoted for the first time through standardised management, ensured by the establishment of the in-house company HEnW KommunalEnergie GmbH (HKE). What is more, our environmental authority is encouraging the complete utilisation of roof spaces in order to make the exploitation of suitable facilities even more effective."

Has Hamburg introduced dedicated funding programmes to support PV projects in the city (e.g. car park PV)?

"I mentioned earlier that we already have funding programmes. It is also important to emphasise that many PV projects are already commercially attractive. Not only do car park photovoltaics represent a smart way of utilising tarmac spaces, they also generate electricity efficiently. They can also be combined with e-charging stations. What is more, solar modules on car park roofs protect vehicles from the weather and in doing so offer added value to users. That is a win-win situation, don’t you think? Indeed, photovoltaic systems have been mandatory in Hamburg for new or expanded car parks with more than 35 spaces since 2024."

Senator Jens Kerstan retired after 10 years as the head of the authority. What are your plans to continue his legacy in the years ahead?

"Our aim is for Hamburg to be climate neutral by 2045 at the latest. In keeping with this, I intend to continue with the consistent implementation of all major infrastructure projects that my predecessor so successfully launched to promote the energy and heating transition and encourage climate protection. But we will only manage this transition together, as a team. Among my important tasks will therefore be to rekindle popular enthusiasm for our future issues – climate and environmental protection, biodiversity, sustainability and the energy and heating transition – and to dispel any reservations. The intention is to get everyone involved and increase understanding that we can only safeguard a liveable future for ourselves, our children and grandchildren if we work together. We need a new 'community spirit' for this topic."

Federal law stipulates that municipal heating plans must be completed by mid-2026. Which measures has BUKEA adopted to accelerate the heating transition in Hamburg, particularly with regard to expanding renewable heating systems?

"We are focusing on a variety of funding programmes in this area as well, including the Hamburg heating subsidy, which provides financial incentives for connections to the heating network or the installation of heat pumps. We are also preparing additional funding programmes for community heat supply, examining other support programmes such as district or neighbourhood solutions, and are providing a wide range of advice and information for all target audiences with our heat pump campaign."

Can you describe BUKEA’s role in establishing the hydrogen economy?

"Our authority is playing a pivotal in building a climate-neutral hydrogen economy. Together with the Hamburg Authority for Economics, Labour and Innovation (BWAI), we are involved in constructing the HGHH, currently the largest electrolyser for the production of green hydrogen in Hamburg. In addition, we are providing vital support in the development of the Moorburg site as a green energy hub. Together with the federal government, we are providing millions of euros in funding for the construction of the HH-WIN hydrogen network, which is part of the hydrogen core network. Aside from these major infrastructure projects, we are supporting companies that introduce pragmatic solutions for connecting to the hydrogen network. We also maintain strong contacts with companies that require a lot of energy to assess the demand for hydrogen and minimise obstacles impeding its use. Our role as an authorisation body is another factor. We are steadily building the expertise we need to authorise and monitor such complex systems. In addition, we are working with the Authority for Economic Affairs to establish Hamburg as a hotspot for hydrogen production, handling, transport and use."

Can you describe the role of companies and citizens in implementing the energy transition in Hamburg, and are there special participation programmes (e.g. in the area of wind energy)?

"Local companies and citizens play a pivotal role in implementing the energy transition in Hamburg. Popular acceptance and active engagement are indispensable if we want the energy transition to succeed. Not only should we be educating citizens, they must also be involved in decision-making processes, for example in the planning and implementation of energy projects. This is why Hamburg is building on participation and transparency. A particularly apt example is the participation process regarding decarbonisation of the Tiefstack site: The 'Tschüss Kohle' (Bye-bye Coal) campaign involved citizens, associations and other stakeholders at an early stage in a collaborative process of developing alternatives for green heat supply. In addition, customer advisory boards have been introduced in public companies, along with other dialogue formats that actively involve citizens in shaping the energy transition. Hamburg’s transformation to climate neutrality is therefore seen as a joint task – supported by the city, the economy and society."

What plans has the authority introduced to leverage public acceptance and awareness of the energy transition?

"Continuous dialogue, detailed information, targeted funding programmes and widespread participation. These are the only ways to encourage citizens to embrace the energy transition. To this end, we are organising information campaigns and events, offering the participation formats I described earlier and providing information on all communication channels – including our website, the media and on all available social media platforms. We also distribute flyers and draw attention to these topics, for example in posters or content on passenger televisions on the city’s public transport network. The Hamburg Energy Pilots offer free energy advice on all questions relating to building energy and adapting to climate impacts such as heat and flood protection."

How will the City of Hamburg ensure acceptable social impacts of the energy transition and benefits for all population groups?

"The design of climate protection must be socially balanced so that all population groups benefit from the energy transition and no one is asked to carry an excessive burden – and also so that the willingness to 'get involved' does not fail in the end for financial reasons. The social dimension is a central issue in the development and implementation of measures and is continuously included and reviewed in all considerations. Funding programmes are designed so that tenants and people on low incomes also have access to finance and advisory services. Co-financed by BUKEA, the 'Stromspar-Check' (Electricity Efficiency Check) project provides targeted support for low-income households to reduce their energy and water consumption and costs.

We see a need for action in the area of tenant electricity and are working at federal level to optimise access to tenant electricity programmes. The effects of potential additional burdens due to the energy transition must be cushioned to reflect societal needs. Here, we intend to prepare a resilient strategy that supports and protects low-income households in particular. Energy-efficient refurbishments, for instance, must not lead to the displacement of tenants from their neighbourhoods."

Thanks for the interview!