Hamburg, April 3, 2026 – Hamburg Energiewerke officially began construction of a new heat storage facility on Wednesday at the Tiefstack coal-fired power plant site in Hamburg-Billbrook. This project is a crucial step towards Hamburg’s goal of phasing out coal energy by 2030 and transitioning to a climate-friendly energy mix. The facility, dubbed a “gigantic thermos” by Environmental Senator Katharina Fegebank (Greens), will integrate hot water from industrial waste heat into the district heating network as needed.
A Gigantic Thermos for Hamburg’s Heating Needs
Senator Fegebank, alongside Michael Prinz, CEO of Hamburg Energiewerke, symbolically laid the foundation for the planned energy park. The heat storage facility is set to become the centerpiece of the new Tiefstack Energy Park. It will stand 51 meters tall, with an outer diameter of 35 meters, and boast a capacity of 43 million liters of water. To put this into perspective, this volume is seven times the water capacity of all pools in the Alster swimming hall.
The facility will store water heated to 98 degrees Celsius, primarily utilizing waste heat from industrial processes and waste incineration plants. This innovative approach is expected to significantly contribute to the city’s sustainable energy supply.
Supplying 27,000 Homes with Heat Daily
“On a cold winter day, this storage facility could supply over 27,000 residential units with heat for an entire day,” stated Michael Prinz, highlighting the immense potential of the project. Given the substantial weight of 43 million liters of water, extensive foundational work is required. Before the base plate for the heat storage facility can be laid, 60 new foundations must be drilled 22 meters deep into the ground to ensure structural integrity.
Part of a Broader Energy Transition Plan
The new heat storage facility is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 and is expected to become operational two years later, in 2029. It forms a vital component of the larger Tiefstack Energy Park, which also includes other key initiatives. Among these are the river water heat pump in Billwerder Bucht and the conversion of the combined heat and power plant from hard coal to gas. Both of these additional projects are currently in the planning phase, demonstrating Hamburg’s comprehensive strategy for energy transition.
The Hamburg Senate approved this ambitious timetable on Tuesday, reaffirming the city’s commitment to exiting coal energy by 2030 and diversifying its energy sources. The city aims to rely on a balanced energy mix to ensure a stable and sustainable power supply for its residents and industries.
Hamburg’s Path to Climate-Neutral Heating
The question of how Hamburg heats its homes and how climate-friendly these methods are has gained significant attention, especially after the public referendum on climate targets. This new heat storage facility represents a major step towards achieving climate-neutral heating in the city. By harnessing industrial waste heat, Hamburg is reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing its carbon footprint.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on the environment by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. It also showcases Hamburg’s leadership in implementing innovative solutions for urban energy challenges.
The construction of the heat storage facility is a testament to Hamburg’s dedication to sustainable development and its vision for a greener future. It is anticipated to serve as a model for other cities seeking to transition to more environmentally friendly energy systems.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/baubeginn-hamburg-bekommt-neuen-waermespeicher-in-billbrook,tiefstack-100.html
