Tesla Factory - Woidke defends Tesla - "A huge profit"
Brandenburgan Minister-President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) spoke in response to the water protests against Tesla in Grünheide. "We are well advised to handle water sparingly. Tesla is the wrong one to criticize this," Woidke told the German Press Agency. "The company does not plan to use additional water in production and will fully recycle its industrial wastewater in the future."
Tesla opened its only European car factory in Grünheide east of Berlin over two years ago. The settlement is considered a coup. Around 12,000 employees work there. Tesla plans to increase production and expand the site. Since the construction began, there have been concerns from environmentalists and residents, including because part of the plant is located in a water protection area. "If we want to secure our prosperity, we need a strong economy," said Woidke.
Woidke: Tesla a "gigantic gain"
The head of government sees Elon Musk's company as a model. "Tesla is a huge gain for the capital region and shows that we can make significant investments in Germany quickly under the current framework conditions," said Woidke. "Mr. Musk has driven a significant portion of this investment, for which we are grateful." However, Woidke has a criticism: "I would have preferred more activity and transparency from the company in recent years."
The SPD politician was cautious about Musk's political comments. "However, I don't share every one of his positions," said Woidke. Tech billionaire Musk expressed praise for the AfD after the European election and wrote on his online platform X: "The political positions of the AfD, which I have read, do not sound extremist to me." The AfD is considered the main opponent of the SPD in the upcoming state election on September 22.
Tesla dismisses concerns
Since the end of February, environmental activists have been protesting in the forest near the Tesla factory against the planned expansion of the factory grounds to build a freight terminal. In May, activists tried to storm the Tesla grounds. "I have the impression that mobilization has taken place Europe-wide to bring the protest scene together," said Woidke. He was critical of the protest camp: "In a time of high forest fire risk, every risk should be excluded. I hope very much for the reason of the people sitting in the trees."
For car production in Grünheide, according to company information, 2.28 cubic meters of water per vehicle are needed. That's a third less than the industry average of 3.68 cubic meters of water. Tesla uses up to 100% of the water it uses.
Tesla uses less water than agreed
The consumption of fresh water was below 500,000 cubic meters in the previous year, significantly less than the agreed annual water volume. The energy company LEAG consumes more than 44 million cubic meters of water per year for cooling the Jänschwalde power plant according to the Brandenburg Environment Ministry.
Since February, it has been reported in a "Stern" article that the phosphorus content in the wastewater from the factory has exceeded the regulatory limit several times since the opening. The carmaker referred to the fact that the substance concentration is higher because Tesla saves water.
- The German Press Agency reported Dietmar Woidke's response to the water protests against Tesla in Grünheide.
- According to Woidke, Tesla does not plan to use additional water in production and will recycle its industrial wastewater fully.
- Grünheide, east of Berlin, is where Tesla opened its only European car factory two years ago, employing around 12,000 people.
- Woidke views Tesla as a "gigantic gain" for the region and appreciates Elon Musk's significant investments.
- Despite his praise for Tesla, Woidke has criticized the company for less activity and transparency in recent years.
- The AfD, considered the SPD's main opponent in the upcoming state election, has received praise from Musk, prompting Woidke's caution about Musk's political positions.
- Concerns over Tesla's planned expansion of its factory grounds, located in a water protection area, have led to protests, with Woidke expressing concern over the high forest fire risk associated with the protest camp.
