How is the energy sector shaping transition?
We support energy suppliers, network operators and market players in strategically steering and economically implementing transformation – from regulation and market design to infrastructure and business models.
Your situation
The energy sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Decarbonisation, digitalisation and geopolitical developments are simultaneously reshaping markets, technologies and regulatory frameworks.
The expansion of renewable energies and the transformation of heat supply are creating new demands on infrastructure, business models and investment decisions. At the same time, requirements regarding verifiability, carbon accounting and transparency are increasing.
In this environment, companies must make strategic decisions that are sustainable in the long term – whilst facing a high degree of uncertainty regarding political developments and market mechanisms.
Your challenges
The transformation of the energy sector is characterised by complex interdependencies: these challenges require in-depth analysis and solutions that take a holistic view of markets, regulation and technology.
- Dynamic regulatory developments at EU, national and international level
- Uncertainty regarding future market mechanisms and pricing structures
- Transformation of existing business models and infrastructure
- Integration of new technologies, for example in the fields of storage, renewable energies and hydrogen
- Increasing requirements for carbon accounting, verification systems and certification
- Economic evaluation of investments under uncertain conditions
- Alignment between market, regulation and technical implementation
These challenges require in-depth analysis and solutions that take a holistic view of markets, regulation and technology.
What we offer you
Potential and location analyses
Analysis and assessment of sites and potential for energy and infrastructure projects across the entire value chain. This takes into account renewable electricity and heat generation, such as ground-mounted PV, wind power and solar thermal energy, as well as technologies such as large-scale heat pumps, heat storage systems and electrolysers. In addition, potential for reducing non-energy-related emissions and for increasing negative emissions is analysed. The aim is to provide a sound basis for decision-making regarding investments and project development.
Heating Strategy / Heating Planning & District Heating Transformation
Development of heating plans in accordance with the Water, Wastewater and Gas Act (WPG) and transformation strategies for district heating systems as part of BEW transformation plans. This is based on technical and economic potential analyses and the assessment of transformation pathways. This is complemented by strategic consultancy for energy suppliers, municipal utilities and political decision-makers, as well as training for relevant committees. The aim is to develop viable and implementable solutions for the decarbonisation of the heating supply.
Climate Strategies & Climate Risk Analyses
Preparation of greenhouse gas footprints in accordance with established standards (e.g. GHG Protocol, VSME), as well as the development of scenarios and measures for reducing emissions. In addition, climate risks are analysed and their impact on business models and infrastructure is assessed. Engagement processes, alongside facilitation and communication, support the involvement of relevant stakeholders. Evaluation and monitoring ensure the continuous refinement of strategies.
Policy Analysis & Consultancy
An analysis of developments in energy and climate policy at global, European and national levels. An examination of regulatory frameworks and their impact on markets, business models and investment. On this basis, tailored recommendations and decision-making frameworks are developed to address strategic issues.
Regulatory Framework
Development and evaluation of regulatory approaches for the energy sector, particularly in the areas of support schemes for renewable energy, electricity market design and the roll-out of hydrogen. Analysis of existing regulatory frameworks and identification of policy options for policymakers, institutions and market participants. The aim is to design sustainable and effective regulatory structures.
Emissions Trading
Support for reporting entities in the fuel sector with emissions reporting under the nEHS and EU ETS II – from data collection and reporting to the submission of certificates.
Funding Management / Funding Policy
Identification of suitable funding schemes, as well as support with applications and implementation, supplemented by advice on the design and further development of funding schemes and guidelines. The aim is to ensure the optimal use and design of funding instruments for transformation projects.
Stakeholder Processes
Designing and facilitating stakeholder processes to engage relevant stakeholders from business, politics and society. Conducting Delphi studies to systematically gather expert opinions and future projections. The aim is to establish a sound basis for decision-making and to bring together different perspectives.
Business Models
Consultancy on the further development of business models in the context of the energy transition. This includes strategies for phasing out natural gas supply and entering new, sustainable business areas. The aim is to develop economically viable and sustainable business models.
Risk Analysis & Due Diligence
Assessment of technical and financial risks associated with energy and infrastructure projects as part of due diligence processes. The focus is on technologies such as large-scale heat pumps, thermal storage systems and district heating networks. The aim is to support investment decisions and project development.
Renewable Energy Market Design
Analysis and assessment of renewable energy markets and their regulatory and economic frameworks. Topics include power purchase agreements (PPAs), green electricity quality and markets for green hydrogen. The aim is to develop viable market mechanisms and business models.
Certificate Systems (Guarantees of Origin)
Development and evaluation of certificate systems for energy products, including Guarantees of Origin (GOs), mass balance accounting, and real-time tracking. It also considers greenhouse gas accounting methods (Scope 1 and 2) as well as requirements for certification schemes. The aim is to ensure transparency, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
Deep dives
- BEW Transformation Plans
Why HIC CONSULTING
The energy sector requires decisions to be made at the intersection of politics, the market and technology. This is precisely where HIC CONSULTING comes in: with in-depth policy analysis, a thorough understanding of regulatory developments and experience in market design, as well as in developing robust frameworks for energy and infrastructure projects.
An interdisciplinary team brings together strategic, regulatory and technical expertise, enabling a holistic view of complex projects – from analysis through to implementation. Consulting from a single source ensures that solutions are developed consistently and prove their worth under real market and regulatory conditions.
Highlight Projects
Seawater heat pump in the Neustadt i.H. harbour district
HIC CONSULTING has been supporting the project since the planning phase: from the feasibility study through to planning permission and advice on funding, right through to project management and coordination of the specialist planning.
Spatial mapping of waste heat potential in Hamburg
The study commissioned by the Ministry for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture (BUKEA) provides, for the first time, a comprehensive spatial survey of waste heat potential for the city of Hamburg. It systematically analysed sources, areas and sectors of waste heat.
We have also already supported these clients
- Avacon Netz GmbH, Salzgitter
- Badenova AG & Co. KG
- EIN-Energie GmbH, Einbeck
- Elektrizitätswerke Schönau GmbH, Schönau
- enercity Contracting Nord GmbH
- Energieversorgung Sylt
- Gemeinschaftskraftwerk Schweinfurt
- Greenpeace Energy eG, Hamburg
- Hamburg Energie GmbH, Hamburg
- Hamburger Energiewerke GmbH
- Hansewerk Natur GmbH
- HH2E AG, Hamburg
- Innogy SE, Essen
- Lichtblick SE, Hamburg
- Naturstrom AG, Düsseldorf
- Nordseeheilbad Borkum GmbH
- Planet energy GmbH, Hamburg
- Repower AG, Zürich
- Schleswig-Holstein Netz AG, Quickborn
- Stadtwerke Buxtehude GmbH
- Stadtwerke Geesthacht GmbH
- Stadtwerke Hamm GmbH
- Stadtwerke Hanau GmbH
- Stadtwerke Iserlohn GmbH
- Stadtwerke Kiel AG
- Stadtwerke Lübeck GmbH
- Stadtwerke München GmbH
- Stadtwerke Münster GmbH
- Stadtwerke Neustrelitz
- Stadtwerke Norderney GmbH
- Stadtwerke Norderstedt
- Stadtwerke Oranienburg GmbH
- Stadtwerke Osnabrück GmbH
- Stadtwerke Pinneberg GmbH
- Stadtwerke Rostock AG
- Stadtwerke Schwerin GmbH
- Stadtwerke Stralsund GmbH
- Statkraft
- Tennet TSO GmbH, Bayreuth
- Vereinigte Stadtwerke GmbH, Ratzeburg
- Wärme Hamburg GmbH, Hamburg
Are you facing strategic decisions regarding energy supply or decarbonisation? We look forward to discussing this with you.
