“Who Still Gets Electricity? The Shift to Mobility in a Strained Grid” – Bastian Pfarrherr, Hamburger Energienetze
As the expansion of charging infrastructure accelerates, distribution network operators face the question: How can the dwindling connection capacity be allocated fairly and efficiently? Bastian Pfarrherr from Hamburger Energienetze provided insights during electrive LIVE into the transformation of Hamburg’s power grid and explained how the city aims to solve this issue through innovation rather than just adding more copper lines.
In the past fifty years, the maximum grid load in Hamburg has remained largely constant at around 1,700 megawatts. However, with the simultaneous expansion of heat pumps, electric vehicles, and the shift away from fossil fuels, the system now faces a monumental challenge. While earlier projections assumed a doubling of the maximum grid load, the current supply forecast paints an even more dramatic picture: by 2040, the load on Hamburg’s distribution network is expected to nearly triple to just under 4,800 megawatts.
The main driver behind this development is municipal heating planning. Switching to a new heating supply system requires enormous resources, which increases pressure on other sectors. “Heating competes with mobility for limited connection capacity,” the priest summarized. Since both areas are part of basic infrastructure needs, other requests must take a backseat. Large storage facilities and data centers are currently at a disadvantage in Hamburg, receiving few new network connections due to resource shortages.
Hamburg’s Energy Networks Plan a Massive Project
To meet the requirements of Hamburg’s public vote for climate neutrality by 2040, the city’s energy networks are planning substantial investments in infrastructure and have already secured a billion-euro loan for this purpose. Nearly the entire 110-kV high-voltage network in the city area will be upgraded. Of the existing 55 substations, 48 will be expanded, with at least seven new ones planned. The goal is to double the number of connection points to the transmission network from three to six subgrids.
Despite these restrictions, the charging infrastructure in this Hanseatic city is growing at a rate above average. With nearly 50,000 electric vehicles, Hamburg has around 8.5 electric cars per public charging station—a figure significantly lower than the federal average of over 11 vehicles, making it better. To sustain this trend, the utility provider will implement targeted prioritization starting in the fall. Through a distribution process, charging infrastructure and heating applications will be given priority access to the grid to avoid blanket rejections of requests for depot or charging hub installations.
Grid Service: Charging Stations as Reactive Power Compensation
The key to a stable grid, however, lies not solely in physical expansion but in the intelligent use of existing charging infrastructure. That modern fast chargers can do much more than just deliver electricity was demonstrated by a pilot project with the Hamburg Transport Companies (Hochbahn and VHH). In this project, HPC charging infrastructure was specifically used for reactive power compensation.
By phasing out conventional power plant electricity generation, traditional generators as reactive power sources are no longer needed. Power electronics components in HPC charging stations can take on this role. “These components are generally capable of contributing to reactive power in the distribution network,” explained Pfarrherr. Additionally, flexible and dynamic grid connection agreements (FCAs) serve as a key element for managing the power consumption of charging stations using AI during peak times.
Hamburg demonstrates how a proactive grid strategy can address bottlenecks before they hinder the expansion of electric mobility. By prioritizing essential services and leveraging smart technologies, the transition to mobility is being advanced systematically in the north.
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