EEHH keeping a close eye on energy transition

The ecological added value of small green roofs on bus stops in large cities has proven a great success and another five bus stop roofs will be greened in 2024. This comes after 49 species of wild bees and wasps were discovered in Hamburg, including rare, endangered species and a species of wasp that is not a native of the region. 

However, the senate is hoping its "Mobility Transition Strategy", adopted in November, will have an even greater impact. The aim is to make around 80 per cent of all journeys on foot, by bike or public transport by 2030. Ten fields of action have been identified including more digital mobility, optimised commercial transport and higher standard of living in the inner city and suburbs. Restructuring Hamburg's rapid train system or S-Bahn should make public transport faster, more reliable and attractive. "Plenty is happening in terms of the mobility transition," Dose stressed.

The city has around 68 wind turbines and counting at present. "New sites have been identified in Harburg and Bergedorf, and we are now seeking developers," said Dose. However, limited space is a problem in a city state like Hamburg. "Other harbour areas have been examined, but the obstacles in the harbour are high given the safety needs of companies there." To this end, the Sustainable Energy Hub Hamburg initiative, launched in October, is advancing the settlement of sustainable energy companies in the Port of Hamburg. The handling, production, sale and use of sustainable fuels and energies such as hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives are considered a growth market with enormous economic potential for the port.

Hamburg Airport recently became the first German airport to join the international global “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” network. This will allow Airbus, airports, airlines and companies in the energy sector to set up a reliable infrastructure for using hydrogen in aviation. Airbus has invited airports in France, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand to join the effort.

More than 15,000 delegates and over 650 exhibitors are expected at the Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe in Hamburg from October 23-24, 2024. This must-attend conference and exhibition focuses entirely on advanced technologies for the hydrogen and fuel cell industry. Emphasis is on developing solutions and innovations for low-carbon hydrogen production, efficient storage and sales as well as a wide range of stationary and mobile applications.

More than 300 keynote speakers including representatives of EEHH are expected at the conference. "This is key trade fair for the industry and for Hamburg as a trade fair location. International stakeholders will discuss the latest hydrogen issues in a bid to advance the technology," Dose said. The Carbon Capture Technology Expo Europe, which focuses on increasing the role of Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS) in transition to a net-zero carbon economy will be held parallel to the Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe.

Both fairs will be preceded by the "Energy Systems in Transition - Gas, Electricity, Transport, Heat"  conference hosted by EEHH on April 25, 2024. "The technical foundations behind the energy transition will top the agenda. Around 100 experts on grid infrastructure came together in 2023 to discuss topics such as grid expansion and digitalisation," Dose pointed out. The integrated, cross-sectoral approach is crucial to a successful energy transition. Emphasis in 2024 will be on the latest opportunities and challenges in future.

Companies, universities and individuals will be honoured for outstanding achievements in renewable energies with the German Renewables Award in November 2024. Dose noted: "The award is presented in six categories: Media Work, Product Innovation of the Year, Project of the Year, Hydrogen Innovation of the Year, Student Work of the Year and Lifetime Achievement." The 2023 German Renewables Award in the Lifetime Achievement category went posthumously to Professor Werner Beba. The founder and long-standing head of the Competence Centre for Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency (CC4E) at HAW Hamburg, died in February 2023, and was committed to the energy transition and in his function as member of EEHH's Board of Directors.

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