Outlook

The year 2026 will be an exciting one for EEHH in many respects. Firstly, the climate and energy policies in Hamburg, in Germany and in the EU will continue to develop; and secondly, the electrification of society will also mean a thematic expansion for our cluster. Last but not least, the strategy of the EEHH cluster will also be readjusted.

Many changes in energy legislation are already appearing on the horizon. These were already announced in 2025 in consultation procedures, draft laws and initiatives, and are expected to lead to significant results in 2026 and subsequent years. As well as a switch in the funding methodology for renewable energies stipulated by the EU from 2027, an amendment in the grid fee system, which aims at more flexibility in the electricity grid, and new rules for the construction and operation of large and small batteries, the introduction of the ETS II CO₂ certificate trading system from 2028 is one of the most important transitions. This will change the energy market considerably. All industry players will have to adapt; the changes are essential for the next level of the energy transition. As a cluster, we want to offer orientation in this phase and are looking forward to this process!

Having successfully implemented the majority of the EEHH 2025 strategy (developed during the pandemic) by the end of 2025, further development of our cluster strategy is on the agenda for this year. We are looking at which topics have taken a different course than planned, which new topics are being added, and how overarching social and political issues affect our work. We are also taking into consideration how the sharp increase in the number of members and the expanded range of topics in the cluster will be reflected in the future in our measures.

We are looking forward to this process, with the intensive involvement of our members and stakeholders, so that an updated cluster strategy can be developed and implemented in the second half of 2026!