At the beginning of November 2023, the delegation of representatives of Polish local governments gathered in Hamburg, one of the biggest German Cities, in the framework of DUET project. The guests would like to learn more about the experience, work and activities of institutions and companies related to energy management and efficiency, and responsible use of resources.
The event started on the 8th of November at the HAW University. The official opening session was an opportunity for discussion and networking. The aim was to embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable energy management in the cities, universities, and districts. Tomasz Bońdos, city of Bydgoszcz, has officially opened the meeting. The purpose of DUET project was presented by Anna Jaskuła from PNEC. We were honored to have esteemed speakers from diverse backgrounds, related to the topic of energy management. Matthias Ederhof from EnergieNetz Hamburg has presented their company focus for the future and the interesting business model “PV tenant power” which includes the participation of citizens. Arne Speerforck from TUHH has shown the solutions connected to energy grids and future energy storage. In the end, Romuld Meyer from PGK SA introduced the topic of biogas and hydrogen in the production of energy and the transportation sector. The guests have presented insights from their projects that will give inspiration, offer actionable strategies and guide our collective efforts. The session of questions and answers gave the chance to expand competencies of all participants.
In the afternoon, The Centre of Competence for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CC4E) - a central scientific institution at HAW Hamburg - and its “Energy Campus” was visited and explored. This building and its facilities address the current and future challenges of the energy transition in an interdisciplinary manner which could be seen during the site tour. Practical solutions are developed there for a broad spectrum of technological, social, political, and economic problems. Professor Hans Schäfers, Department of Environmental Engineering, has presented the issue and research of HAW University, possible solutions and the master plan option for climate neutrality in 2045.
The evening was conducted for HafenCity – the European largest inner city development area. The participants could visit the Kasselhouse, where the information centre is located. Uwe Cartensen has presented the history of that district and the plans for building sustainable city quarters and using innovative solutions. The HafenCity port district with its diversified functions has created attractive connections with the Elbe River. The whole project is based on the requirements of sustainable development, with particular attention to the energy efficiency of buildings.
On the second day of the visit, the group spent time on the other side of the Elba river. Visiting the waste incineration plant (MVR) and waterworks with biogas installation (Hamburg Wasser) was possible thanks to the efficient public transport in Hamburg, which provides also ferries service. The trips on ferries from Hamburg port to the technical facilities provided a unique view of the city.
The visit on site in MVR Rugenberger Damm allowed to see what the processes carried out there look like in practice. Alina Bendlin has explained the technical processes of waste incineration and details regarding the operation of the facility. MVR strives for effective thermal treatment of delivered waste, generation of district heating and electricity, and production of utility materials while maintaining high standards of safety, occupational health and environmental protection.
Then representatives of polish municipalities moved to another place – the waterworks by Hamburg Wasser. Presentation of the sewage treatment plant in Köhlbrandhöft and biogas production was made by Hendrik Schurig, who explained the technologies used and projects implemented. He also explained the biogas and biomethane production aspects. The site tour was not only a great experience taking into consideration the technical aspects, but also the possibility of seeing the stunning panoramic view of Hamburg during sunset.
To sum up, the visit to Hamburg was not only an opportunity to gain technical knowledge, but also to learn about effective management and social engagement strategies in the context of sustainable energy management. The inspiring ideas that Hamburg's representatives shared with us provide a solid basis for the further development of Polish cities towards a more sustainable energy future.
