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Tesla in Grünheide: Not everything that glitters is green!

The Tesla Gigafactory in Germany, to be more precise in Grünheide, does not let the media rest. middle of December we reported about itthat in 2021 the Model Y should roll off the assembly line in the Tesla Gigafactory 4 in Brandenburg. Until then, there are still a number of inconsistencies to be eliminated. In addition, not everything seems to be quite as green as initially suspected.

Tesla Gigafactory Grünheide officially launched

Briefly about the history: The purchase contract for the property is nearing completion and is likely to take place in January. Construction of the factory should start in the first half of 2020. In the European plant Batteries, drive trains and vehicles are to be manufactured, starting with the upcoming one Model Y from Tesla, An investment of up to four billion euros and 3,000 new jobs are in the room, later even up to 8,000 jobs.

With the announcement in the official gazette, the approval process for the planned work is officially opened. Accordingly, a press shop, a foundry, body shop, paint shop, seat production, plastic and battery production as well as the production of drive and final assembly are to be housed in Gigafactory 4 in the Oder-Spree district. A central supply building and a wastewater treatment plant are also planned.

There is a certain time pressure if you want to stick to the ambitious plans. According to the statement by Brandenburg’s Minister of Economics Jörg Steinbach (SPD), at least if you want to start building the Gigafactory as planned. However, Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier (CDU) already indicated that that you don’t let it rest there, Brandenburg’s Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke is also confident, One can only hope that the decision is not simply broken over the knee. Because not everyone seems enthusiastic about Tesla’s Gigafactory in Grünheide.

Tesla: curse and blessing for Grünheide

From Grünheide we have received some information that has so far not been seen in the media or has been seen only sparsely. We try to take this up a bit and reflect it, because we believe that only a fully drawn picture can serve as a basis for discussion for a German gigafactory.

Naturschutzbund sees danger if the procedure is too fast

The Naturschutzbund (NABU) initially gave a very moderate opinion – below. Now there have been increasing talks with NABU people who are very concerned about the Löcknitztal nature reserve, which is located a few hundred meters away. The fears go so far that it is assumed that the nature reserve will disappear completely. It has not yet been communicated whether this is related to the unimaginable amount of wastewater of 250 m³ per hour – which is just mentioned in the plans just laid out.

Furthermore, the fact that a third of the trees should be felled by the end of February before the birds build their nests. If you look at information of the South Germans from their article “Nevada, Shanghai, Grünheide” May believe. Surprising, since it should actually only begin after official approval. Due to the tight schedule, Tesla is taking its own risk here. Because “Tesla should be able to go ahead at its own risk before approval, if a positive decision can be expected. This allows the Federal Immission Control Act for projects in the public interest ”, At least Brandenburg ‘s Minister of the Environment is named by Berlin newspaper cited.-

Grünheide is not entirely convinced of how we can quote from the mail traffic between citizens, local politicians and a nature conservation expert:

“However, the felling of trees cannot be undone. They want to do it with all their might. It also relativizes the minister’s statement that everything should be done according to German law and law. There remains a bitter aftertaste… ”

Lowering the groundwater can dry up the nature reserve

Lowering the groundwater is also under discussion, or could become an issue through the settlement of Tesla. The following can be quoted from the mail traffic listed above:

“During a forest tour with the Greens (also Landtag) it was already noticeable that the forest floor is very damp (not only because of the rain) and a more in-depth conversation with someone who, among other things, on the management plan participated and was quite knowledgeable about hydrogeology, it was clear after a short research that a groundwater divide runs directly under the B-plan area. That means every lowering of the groundwater has a direct impact on the Löcknitz and possibly other bodies of water. ”-

In other words, the lowering of the groundwater in this area can lead to the Löcknitztal (nature reserve), the Müggelspree and the Störitzsee being at risk of dehydration. We can only see how it goes from a distance. But assume that the nature conservation association takes a closer look at the whole topic.

Naturschutzbund will take a closer look in the future

In November 2019, the following was still to be understood:

“We now expect complete transparency in the next steps and consideration of the nature conservation requirements. The underlying development plan is almost 20 years old. Since then the general conditions have changed, e.g. It is currently not known whether the nature and species protection law issues were sufficiently taken into account in the development plan procedure at that time. ”- Friedhelm Schmitz-Jersch, State Chairman of NABU Brandenburg

“In addition to the direct effects of the construction of the Gigafactory, the consequences for the region should also be considered. Considerable additional traffic flows can be expected. The possible designation of new residential areas must not lead to the loss of additional forest areas ”, the NABU continues. According to our information, NABU will in future take a closer look when it comes to the effects of the possible Gigafactory construction in Grünheide. Grünheide also anonymously refers to the problem with the Gigafactory.

Anonymous leaflets stimulate thinking about Gigafactory

On December 29th Anonymous leaflets have been distributed in Grünheide – are available to the editors – the content of which is being discussed very controversially. It seems that the size of the settlement and the upcoming changes are only slowly becoming clear to the residents. Grünheide has had a constant, moderate influx over the past 10 to 20 years. “A lot of families have fled the city (Berlin) to offer their children better conditions in school, leisure and nature. Now the city will roll over us. Some people feel a nervous mood ”, says a citizen of Grünheide.

We will keep an eye on the progress of the German Gigafactory and would like it to find its way to Germany or Europe. But not at any price. Hence this brief insight into the thoughts on site and the challenges associated with Tesla’s Gigafactory, which can get lost in the hustle and bustle of the media.

Source: By mail

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