Tesla faces an obstacle to the expansion of its Berlin-Brandenburg gigafactory in Germany. But it is not impassable. After an advisory vote, the project was rejected by the residents of Grünheide, near the capital.
The Texas manufacturer’s plan calls for the construction of a rail freight depot and storage facilities to avoid business interruptions related to the shortage, CNBC reports. It will double the factory’s production, Le Point also reported last summer.
It also aims to reduce transportation and manufacturing costs to lower the sales prices of vehicles destined for European markets.
70% participation
The German channel DW, which revealed the results on Tuesday, highlights that the level of participation was high compared to other consultations of the same type, reaching the equivalent of 70%.
On the social network Because the neighbors’ vote has no legal value.
However, he said Tesla plans to “double down on working with the community and all stakeholders.” A position shared by the Minister of Economy, Labor and Energy of the Land of Brandenburg, Jörg Steinbach.
“I also see the outcome of this vote as an opportunity for local authorities and Tesla to find answers in the coming weeks and months to concerns that have not yet been dispelled,” said the local political leader.
Environmental consequences
Among the arguments of opponents of the project are mainly the possible repercussions on the environment. The expansion of the site is expected to involve the felling of about 100 hectares of forest in this rural community, reports German media DW.
Opponents of the project also foresee consequences in a water protection zone near the factory.
“Giga Berlin is one of the most water-efficient vehicle factories in the world, with the capacity to recycle 100% of the treated water,” he adds.
Source: BFM TV
