Hamburg’s Environment Senator and Second Mayor, Katharina Fegebank of the Green Party, has voiced concerns regarding the current federal government’s energy policy direction. In an interview with “Der Spiegel”, Fegebank highlighted inconsistencies arising from policy shifts occurring as the adoption of heat pumps accelerates and the transition to renewable heating systems gains momentum within the private sector.
These changes are reportedly generating significant uncertainty amongst both businesses and private consumers. Recent comments from Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche (CDU), specifically referencing a perceived “compulsion” towards heat pumps, have contributed to this instability. It’s important to note that the relevant Building Energy Act does not mandate heat pump adoption, allowing for the inclusion of other energy sources like district heating.
Hamburg has witnessed a surge in heat pump installations, with 1,251 units supported through funding programs in the first quarter of this year-nearly four times the number recorded in the first quarter of 2024. Fegebank acknowledged a growing acceptance of the technology and available funding, stating, “The technology, but also the funding opportunities are now being better utilized”. She conceded that considerable progress remains to be made.
Looking forward, Hamburg anticipates the commissioning of Germany’s largest wastewater heat pump of its kind next year. This ambitious project is projected to provide heat for up to 39,000 households and contribute to the decommissioning of the Wedel coal-fired power plant.
