Hamburg’s Environment Senator and Second Mayor, Katharina Fegebank, has voiced concerns regarding recent shifts in the federal government’s energy policy. Speaking to “Der Spiegel”, Fegebank, a Green Party politician, expressed anxieties about the uncertainty created by policy adjustments occurring during a period of increased adoption of heat pumps and the progression of the energy transition within private residences.
Fegebank’s remarks followed recent comments by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche (CDU), which drew criticism for suggesting a “compulsion” regarding heat pump installations. While the Building Energy Act does not mandate such a requirement, allowing for the use of alternative energy sources including district heating, the remarks have reportedly fueled apprehension amongst businesses and private consumers alike.
Hamburg has seen a significant surge in the uptake of heat pumps, with 1,251 installations supported through subsidies in the first quarter of this year – almost four times the figure recorded in the first quarter of 2024. “The technology, as well as the funding opportunities, are now being better embraced” Fegebank noted.
Despite the positive momentum, Fegebank acknowledged that “significant progress” remains to be made. Hamburg is currently preparing to launch Germany’s largest wastewater heat pump of its kind next year, a project anticipated to provide warmth to approximately 39,000 households while contributing to the decommissioning of the Wedel coal-fired power plant.