Competence Center for
Energy Transition (CC4E) Competence Center for Energy Transition (CC4E)

New research building – a boost for innovation in energy research

A new hub for applied energy research is taking shape at the Energy Campus in Hamburg-Bergedorf: with the planned research building and demonstration centre, the CC4E and the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (IWES) are jointly driving forward the construction of a pioneering research infrastructure. The project was approved by the Hamburg Parliament in October 2025.

The focus is on technologies for sector coupling – the connection of the electricity generation sector with the heating and transport sectors – as well as the digitalisation of the energy transition and the shift away from fossil fuels in industry. In strategic partnership with other stakeholders from academia and industry, the researchers are investigating, amongst other things, how CO₂ can be captured from gases and converted, using green hydrogen, into synthetic energy carriers and raw materials for industry (Power-to-X). The heat transition and the smart control of energy generators, storage systems and consumers are also key topics.

The three-story building is being constructed between the street ‘Am Schleusengraben’ and the ‘Schleusengraben’ canal. Covering a gross floor area of around 2,500 square metres, it will house six research laboratories, office spaces, conference rooms and a showroom, where exhibits, models and digital applications will showcase current topics in energy research.
Following the building permit being granted in December 2025, construction is scheduled to begin in 2026. Completion and commissioning are scheduled for 2028. The project costs amount to around 20 million euros. The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is providing part of the funding, whilst the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the European Union will support the project with around 6 million euros.