Tesla Giga Berlin has some critics saying that the nearby flora and fauna could be affected by starting production. They also mentioned the groundwater getting polluted because of the factory. However, the Green Party politicians including Green leader Anton Hofreiter and the party’s General Manager Michael Kellner supported Tesla’s factory after enquiring about the details.
On Monday, Hofreiter and Kellner visited the Giga factory. After inquiring about the amount of water needed to run the factory, Hofreiter approved the process. He said that the process was smooth and sensible as per the law. There was no problem with the amount of water consumption by the factory as per the Green Party leader.
Hofreiter stated, “Tesla turns up the drive and drives at an impressive pace. Anyone who brakes when switching to electromobility is doing a disservice to the German auto industry.”
As per the application filed by Tesla in 2020, predicted water consumption was 3.3 million cubic meters per year. According to the Automotive world’s evaluation, on average, a car manufacturing factory consumed about 39,000 gallons of water for one car (147.64 cubic meters). Assuming a factory can make 500,000 cars every year the water consumption is 73.82 million cubic meters. (Note that this is only a rough evaluation, not a standard one).
Tesla re-evaluated its water consumption predictions and in June their report said that the factory needed only 1.43 million cubic meters of water every year. As they evaluated only for making Model Y the consumption is less. As they include more models, they might need to revise the water consumption.
Kellner seemed to agree with Hofreiter that the factory is running as per the rules. They seemed confident that authorities in Brandenburg and the state government gave approvals only after confirming the details. Additionally, Kellner also noted that the factory would generate jobs and add to a promising future.
Seit 2017 kämpfe ich für mehr Elektromobilität in NRW. Wir haben Neuanmeldungen zum Vorjahr verdreifacht. Klimaneutralität gelingt nur mit mehr Tempo. Unsere Vorschriften sind aus Zeit vor #ParisAgreement Einig mit @elonmusk :Wir müssen Plan- u Genehmigungsverfahren beschleunigen pic.twitter.com/3Kww1DZh5E
— Armin Laschet (@ArminLaschet) August 13, 2021
Kellner stated, “Tesla is providing important impetus and creating many future-proof jobs in Brandenburg.” Likewise, last month top-Chancellor candidate Armin Laschet visited Berlin and met Elon Musk. After which his support to Tesla was evident and other politicians seem to agree with Laschet on the same.
Laschet tweeted, “Climate neutrality can only be achieved with greater speed. Our regulations are out of time #ParisAgreement Agree with @elonmusk: We have to accelerate planning and approval procedures.” Till then details were unclear about the Giga Berlin, it was only known that the process was slowing down. However, later Musk confirmed that they are on time and by October or Oktober fest they will be having a factory tour and county fair. So it is most likely that the final approvals will go smoothly by October.
Giga Berlin-Brandenburg county fair & factory tour on 9 October!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 13, 2021
