Local councillors in the Grünheide municipality, located just outside Berlin, have given Tesla the go-ahead to expand its local plant. The decision, which was split 11-6 with two abstentions, is part of Tesla’s strategy to double the site’s capacity to 100 gigawatt hours of battery production and one million cars per year.
The expansion plan includes the addition of more logistical spaces, such as a train station. However, the proposal allows for the felling of 47 hectares of trees, a significant reduction from the initial proposal which wanted to fell 100 hectares of trees.
The decision comes after a non-binding referendum was held in the municipality in February, with 65% of respondents voting against the original blueprints. In response to the referendum, local councillors asked Tesla to revise its plans.
Despite the revised plans, environmental activists have been protesting in a forest near the plant, fearing that the plant’s intensive use of water would endanger the region’s water supply. The protests have at times turned violent, with clashes between protesters and police, and a suspected arson attack near the plant in March.
Even with the approval of the expansion, some residents remain angry with the council’s decision. The “Stop Tesla” group, which supports the protesters, has stated that they will continue to protect the water and the forest as long as necessary.
However, the approval is seen as a victory by some officials, who have highlighted the economic benefits of the expansion. Brandenburg’s regional economy minister, Jörg Steinbach, described the approval as “a strong signal for the future development of Grünheide and Tesla.”