Hamburg is taking a leading role in Germany's energy transition, positioning itself as a hub for renewable energies, green hydrogen and sustainable industrial transformation. The city has become an international meeting point for innovators from business, science and politics, working together on solutions for the energy systems of the future. With its unique combination of a strong maritime economy, world-class research institutions and a modern port infrastructure, Hamburg offers ideal conditions for the development, production and distribution of climate-neutral energy.
At the heart of this ecosystem is the Cluster Agency Renewable Energies Hamburg, which connects companies, universities and policy-makers to accelerate the roll-out of clean technologies. Offshore wind, hydrogen innovation and green logistics are among the key fields in which Hamburg is setting international standards. Flagship projects such as the Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub and close partnerships with offshore wind farms in the North Sea and Baltic Sea underline the city's determination to become one of Europe's most sustainable industrial locations.
Hamburg's strategic location on the Elbe and its role as Germany's largest seaport also make it a natural gateway for green energy transport – both for domestic supply and for global trade in climate-friendly fuels. From the production of renewable electricity to its storage, conversion and delivery, the entire value chain is increasingly anchored in the Metropolitan Region.
Green Hydrogen – From Coal Site to Climate Innovation
One of Hamburg's most ambitious projects is the Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub, being developed on the site of the former Moorburg coal-fired power plant. Here, the city is transforming a symbol of the fossil-fuel era into a beacon of sustainable innovation. In cooperation with Luxcara and Siemens Energy, a 100-megawatt electrolyser is set to be operational by 2027, producing green hydrogen exclusively from renewable sources such as offshore wind and solar energy.
The produced hydrogen will be distributed via the Hamburg Hydrogen Industrial Network (HH-WIN) directly to industrial plants, logistics companies and mobility providers in the region. This direct pipeline connection will help decarbonise energy-intensive sectors such as steel production, shipping and heavy goods transport.
The project is part of the IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest) initiative, funded by the EU, which supports groundbreaking industrial developments across national borders. By participating in IPCEI, Hamburg reinforces its ambition to be a key player in the European hydrogen economy – strengthening competitiveness, creating high-quality jobs and driving the decarbonisation of industry at scale.
Outlook – Innovation with Global Impact
Hamburg's approach to renewable energy is not limited to technology alone – it combines urban transformation, industrial restructuring and international restructuring and international cooperation. The city is actively working on expanding offshore with capacities in cooperation with North Sea wind parks, integrating hydrogen infrastructure into the port to enable emission-free shipping and establishing training and research programs to build the skilled workforce needed for the green economy.
By transforming former industrial sited, investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and fostering strong networks between science and business, Hamburg is positioning itself as a model city for climate-friendly growth – and as a source of energy innovations with impact far beyond Germany.
