Hamburg Waste Incineration Plant: Costs Soar to €780 Million, Completion Delayed
Hamburg, July 9 – The construction of a new waste incineration plant in the Hamburg district of Bahrenfeld is facing massive cost overruns, potentially exceeding half a billion euros, with an uncertain completion date. Auditors have issued a scathing report on those responsible for the construction and financial disaster.
According to the report by the auditing firm Deloitte, the supervisory board of Stadtreinigung (Hamburg’s municipal waste management company) was “not adequately and promptly informed” about the delays and foreseeable additional costs. Such clear words from auditors are rare.
Costs up to €780 Million
The Centre for Resources and Energy (ZRE) has been under construction since April 2023 and was originally scheduled for completion in 2025. However, this deadline could not be met. The initial estimated costs of around €234 million first rose to €534 million, and the completion date was pushed to 2026/2027. At the end of April, it became clear that the situation was even worse: According to the status report approved by the supervisory board of Stadtreinigung on Wednesday, costs are now expected to reach between €720 and €780 million. Further delays of several years are considered certain.
Fegebank: “Infuriates Me Immensely”
Katharina Fegebank (Greens), chairwoman of the supervisory board and Senator for Environment, said on Thursday: “What was confirmed to us yesterday in the supervisory board by the auditors infuriates me immensely.” She stated that essential information about costs and deadlines had been withheld from the supervisory board for a long time until the end of last year. This constitutes “a clear breach of trust.”
Legal action is being considered against those responsible at the time, including the former managing director of Stadtreinigung, who retired in December.
CDU Demands Liability Review for Supervisory Board
The CDU in the Bürgerschaft (Hamburg Parliament) believes this is not enough. They are calling for a liability review against the members of the supervisory board – including Fegebank. A spokesperson stated that it must be clarified whether the supervisory board adequately fulfilled its legal oversight duties.
Cost Explosion in Hamburg Environmental Authority’s Major Projects
Following cost increases in projects by Hamburg Wasser and Stadtreinigung, the CDU inquired with the Senate whether these were isolated cases. However, other plans are also getting out of hand.
Additional Costs for Waste Incineration Plant: Criticism of Fegebank
Significant additional costs are threatening the construction of a new waste incineration plant in Hamburg. Environmental Senator Fegebank came under pressure in the Bürgerschaft as a result.
Cost Explosion at Waste Incineration Plant: Who is Responsible?
Instead of the originally planned €234 million, the Hamburg waste incineration plant could cost up to €750 million.
