While many traditional car makers are still licking their wounds, Tesla is pushing ahead with the construction of its factory in Grünheide. According to its own statements, the company wants to take into account some of the critics’ objections.
Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier does not expect major problems with the planned settlement of Tesla in Brandenburg due to the corona crisis. “I do not expect that there will be any significant delays,” said the CDU politician. His ministry is in contact with Tesla. Nothing had changed in Tesla’s determination that the plans for the plant in Grünheide near Berlin would be continued. The prospect is for several thousand new jobs.
In the meantime, Tesla has submitted a third application for early approval of measures to prepare the construction at the planned location, according to the Brandenburg state government. “This will essentially involve the shallow foundations of certain buildings and the laying of supply lines above the water table,” said Axel Steffen, head of the Environment Department at the Environment Ministry.
Tesla plans to manufacture around 500,000 electric cars a year in Grünheide from summer 2021. According to the ministry, the project received more than 370 objections. Among other things, Tesla plans to change the application for environmental approval that has already been submitted. Whether the amended application has to be re-interpreted in public depends on whether the environmental impact has deteriorated, said Steffen. However, there are no signs that a final approval will not be available later this year.
Critics see, among other things, the public supply of drinking water is in danger because of the settlement. However, the company wants to reduce consumption. A new appointment to discuss the objections to the project is still open. The first appointment was canceled due to the corona crisis.
