In 2022, Hamburg's electricity generation experienced a minor dip, with fossil fuels continuing to reign supreme in the energy sector. According to data from the Statistical Office for Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, natural gas and coal accounted for a combined 74.3% of the 2.7 million megawatt hours produced, while renewable energies made a notable increase, contributing 22.5% to the total. Notably, wind energy took the lead amid renewable energy production, accounting for over a third of the percentage, followed by biomass at 25%. Biogas, landfill gas, sewage gas, and sewage sludge made up the remaining share [Statistics North reveals that during 2022, the city's electricity generation decreased by almost 5.8% despite renewable energies seeing a slight increase].
Switching gears to the future, Hamburg is making strides towards a greener energy future, focusing on expanding renewable energy sources and green hydrogen production. Specifically, the city is setting its sights on expanding solar and wind power capacities, aiming to reach 115 GW of onshore wind power by 2030. Furthermore, a green hydrogen plant is set to be established at the former Hamburg-Moorburg coal-fired power plant, with ambitions to produce 10,000 tons of green hydrogen annually [Hamburg's energy transition is focused on expanding renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind power. Renewable energy expansion is also expected to include green hydrogen production. The decommissioning of coal-fired power plants and phasing out lignite power are key components of this transition].
As Hamburg transitions energy sources, addressing grid stability and energy storage will be critical. Germany is investigating various solutions, such as battery energy storage systems and gas-fired power plants, to ensure a reliable energy supply during the transformation [In contrast, fossil fuel trends show that lignite power will gradually be phased out by 2030. The decommissioning of coal-fired power plants like the Hamburg-Moorburg plant also marks an essential step in the shift to renewable energy sources].
Fossil fuel trends suggest lignite power will gradually phase out by 2030, with the decommissioning of coal-fired power plants like the Hamburg-Moorburg plant playing a significant role in the movement towards renewable energy sources. In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Hamburg is developing the 100 MW green hydrogen plant, the Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub (HGHH), which is set to operate by 2027 and produce 10,000 tons of green hydrogen annually. Additionally, Germany has introduced measures to speed up licensing procedures for wind farms and expand onshore wind power capacities to contribute to the country's overall goal of reaching 115 GW of onshore wind power by 2030. Further steps are being undertaken to ensure grid stability and maximize flexibility in the energy system, including deploying battery energy storage systems, improving transmission capacity, and exploring the integration of electrolysers with wind turbines for on-site green hydrogen production.
