Hamburg, February 24, 2026 – An alliance of over 20 Hamburg energy companies has called upon the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to reject the ‘grid package’ proposed by Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche. In an open letter, the companies warn that the planned reform threatens to slow down the expansion of renewable energies, increase costs, and endanger the economic competitiveness of Hamburg.
Hamburg’s Energy Sector Criticizes Federal Plans
The alliance of Hamburg companies, initiated by Green Planet Energy, has voiced strong criticism of the draft ‘grid package’ from the Federal Ministry of Economics. The recently revealed draft, according to the companies, could significantly impede the development of renewable energies. Ahead of the CDU party conference, the alliance addressed an open letter to the Hamburg CDU, demanding an immediate rejection of the Ministry’s plans.
Key Concerns of the Alliance
The primary concern for the Hamburg-based companies is the proposed end to payments for revenue losses from decommissioned plants. Additionally, special regulations for distribution network operators are expected to increase bureaucracy and complexity. Instead, the companies advocate for greater digitalization, intelligent and flexible grids, and accelerated expansion of storage and smart meters to further promote renewable energy.
Broad Coalition of Companies and Associations
The Hamburg alliance includes prominent companies such as Green Planet Energy eG, Lichtblick, GP-Joule, Nordex, Enertrag, BayWa R.E., Naturstrom, Enerparc, Encavis, PNE, and GLS Bank, alongside several associations and consulting firms. This broad coalition underscores the widespread concern within the industry.
Quotes from Industry Leaders
Sönke Tangermann, CEO of Green Planet Energy eG, stated: “Absurd, but true: Instead of boosting the economy, Minister Reiche is slowing it down. The grid package weakens the renewables sector and thus also Hamburg as an economic hub. In Hamburg, we create thousands of jobs and ensure the future viability and crisis resilience of our country. We expect the Hamburg CDU to advocate for the preservation of jobs and value creation in our Hanseatic city and to clearly reject the grid package in its current form.”
The criticism also targets the differing special regulations for Germany’s nearly 900 distribution network operators, which the alliance believes will increase bureaucracy, complexity, and ultimately costs.
Call for Modernization and Digitalization
Instead of hindering expansion, the companies see a need for reform in modernizing the grids. Concepts such as “utilize instead of curtail,” accelerated storage expansion, and a consistent smart meter rollout could, according to the corporate initiative, enhance grid stability, reduce costs, and more efficiently integrate wind and solar energy.
The simultaneous publication of open letters in Hamburg and Munich, where Greentech initiated a similar initiative, emphasizes that the criticism of the ‘grid package’ is not a regional isolated opinion but is shared by companies across several German economic centers.
This widespread opposition highlights the significant concerns within the renewable energy sector regarding the potential negative impacts of the proposed ‘grid package’ on Germany’s energy transition and economic landscape.
Source: https://www.energiefirmen.de/news/nachrichten/artikel-39539-allianz-aus-hamburg-schlagt-alarm-reiche-netzpaket-schadet-wirtschaftsstandort-und-bedroht-ausbau-der-erneuerbaren
