The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and Hamburger Energiewerke (HEnW) are forming a joint venture to accelerate the Port of Hamburg’s decarbonisation.
To that purpose, renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics and wind power will be enhanced in the port area, as well as renewable energy solutions.
The new business “Erneuerbare Hafenenergie Hamburg GmbH” will reportedly be run as an equal partnership.
As a first stage, particular projects with a total potential of around 70 megawatts will be evaluated as part of feasibility studies. The HPA noted that other locations for harbour extension are being investigated on a constant basis.
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Michael Prinz, Managing Director of Hamburger Energiewerke, said: “Erecting wind turbines in the harbour is no trivial matter, as the approval requirements there are much stricter than on greenfield sites. In addition to nature conservation concerns and air traffic, special operating conditions must also be taken into account to ensure that the wind turbines fit in smoothly with the local infrastructure and the operations of the companies based there.
“We have already erected six turbines in the harbour and therefore have the experience to build and operate renewable energies in this urban area. Even if it won’t be easy, we are very pleased to be working with the HPA to drive forward the expansion of ground-mounted PV systems and wind power in Hamburg.”
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Friedrich Stuhrmann, Managing Director of the Hamburg Port Authority, stated: “The HPA sees its sustainable actions as a worthwhile task for the future. For this reason, we are committed to forward-looking and innovative technologies and their use in the port in the interests of decarbonisation.
“Having intensively promoted shore-side power supply in recent years, we would also like to play an active role in the expansion of renewable energy generation in the port area. With Hamburger Energiewerke, we have a strong partner at our side here.
“The energy transition requires considerable investment, but it also offers many opportunities that we want to utilise intelligently. Being close to consumers saves transmission routes and therefore costs.”
The firm is scheduled to be founded in the spring of this year, subject to positive audit results in accordance with the state budget regulations.
The proposed ground-mounted PV and wind power facilities will primarily provide green harbour electricity to the HPA and local port firms. HEnW will be responsible for operating the plants, which will subsequently manage the renewable power generated and distribute it to electricity users.
In November 2023, the Crown Prince Haakon of Norway visited the Port of Hamburg and attended a tour of the port that focussed on sustainable logistics.
