“The Tesla settlement is a showcase project and even if there are delays, we can speak of an extremely fast project overall,” Steinbach told the German Press Agency. “However, I also understand the point of view of an American investor – which, by the way, many German companies are likely to share: German approval procedures are cumbersome. I see a need for change here and hope that the federal government will tackle this issue consistently in the coming years.”
Around two years ago – on February 13, 2020 – the first trees were felled on the site, and the car factory is now standing. According to the Ministry of the Environment, the approval process will take some time – and even after the decision, Tesla must meet other requirements. According to Tesla boss Elon Musk, the first cars should roll off the assembly line as early as 2021. Environmentalists and local residents have raised hundreds of objections – including because of environmental risks they see and the water consumption at the car plant and battery factory that Musk is planning there.
The minister does not share the concerns about water shortages: “For industrial settlements, especially the size of the Tesla factory, but also for the entire development of the region, water availability must be taken into account across larger regional contexts,” said Steinbach. “Water can also be brought in from surrounding areas if technically and logistically feasible.”
The Strausberg-Erkner water association does not see sufficient supply of water for the region and for Tesla as guaranteed if a permit for water withdrawal for the Eggersdorf waterworks were revoked in a lawsuit by environmental associations before the Frankfurt (Oder) administrative court. For Tesla, the lawsuit has no direct connection to the company. Steinbach also said: “I see no connection between the ability of the factory to be approved and the ongoing process.” Tests are also currently underway for a new waterworks in Hangelsberg.
Musk dismissed fears about the water in an interview with Lachen. “That wasn’t particularly helpful,” Steinbach said. “But importantly, Elon Musk and his team at Tesla have responded to residents’ concerns and massively reduced water requirements after the initial reading of the paperwork.”
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