Hamburg’s heating industry is about to enter the new millennium with a brand new project that’s perfectly aligned with Germany’s strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve sustainability. We are talking, of course, about HafenCity. This monumental development project, currently the largest inner-city initiative in the whole of Europe, is setting new benchmarks for sustainable urban living. Germany, with approximately 14% of households connected to district heating systems, is looking to change the status quo with Hamburg. The city boasts an extensive district heating network that caters to 19% of households. Hamburg’s policymakers are fully committed to the expansion of this infrastructure in order to pursue net zero goals. Their ambitious target integrated an additional 50,000 households into the district heating network in 2020. HafenCity, a sprawling 155-hectare city quarter emerging from former harbor zones, has been a huge success on this front. Comprising a blend of residences, offices, recreational spaces, retail establishments, and cultural venues, HafenCity has strategically opted for district heating as its primary heat supply for all buildings. City planners envisioned an energy supply concept that not only meets stringent economic criteria but also aligns with the most exacting environmental standards. The core of this innovative approach lies in amalgamating Hamburg’s proven district heating system with decentralized, local heating distribution units. The fuel mix includes coal, household and industrial waste, natural gas and minimal quantities of light fuel oil. In a bid to further slash carbon dioxide emissions, the HafenCity heating plan serves as a pilot plant that features a steam turbine and a fuel cell. The future will witness the addition of two new combined heat and power plants at the Überseequartier and the cruise ship terminal. Residential structures will integrate thermal solar panels to bolster central domestic hot water supply, which will further reduce HafenCity’s dependence on fossil fuels.