Tesla Giga Berlin will Drive Major Development in the Region: "Brandenburg cannot live on tourism alone," Says Minister of Economy

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Tesla's arrival in Brandenburg will bring significant changes to the region, providing jobs, an economic boom, new roads, and rails. Economy Minister Jörg Steinbach talks about the benefits of Giga Berlin for Brandenburg and dispels local residents' concerns about water supply in an interview with RBB24.

The first question was about a recent report by IGB Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, which states that there should be no major industry in the area where Tesla's factory is located because there is not enough water due to droughts and changes climate. Steinbach drew attention to the fact that critics should compare Tesla's water consumption with what existing companies use. Indeed, when it comes to larger companies, Tesla is at the bottom with its needs.

In addition, the minister emphasizes that it is necessary to understand what phase of Tesla's expansion is in question. To this regard, in Phase 1, up to 10,000 employees are planned, including a battery manufacturing plant. Although no one can give a 100% guarantee that there will be no problems with water supply, given these initial data, they are not foreseen.

Steinbach actively interacts with the local population and knows their problems. He said that he has been trying to explain to people that Brandenburg would not be able to live on tourism alone, and therefore needed to attract business. Tax revenue, which is without economic and industrial income, will never be enough to guarantee a standard of living with everything the state pays for, the minister said. The Minister of Economy said that he is trying to attract as many businesses as possible so that the region can, among other things, manage climate investments over the next years.

Steinbach said Germany is wary of change because it gives Germans various fears. However, sooner or later people come to realize that this change brings with it something positive. For example, among other things, Giga Berlin will be able to provide many jobs, which means that families can stay together—that young people do not need to leave in search of work, as they can get it right there.

The Minister of Economy said that the region is dealing with Elon Musk, who is an entrepreneur achieving outstanding success not only in the field of electromobility but also in other technological fields. "He's actually a highly creative person with a deep understanding of the details of individual projects. [...] In other words, a personality with many facets, but one that surprises you over and over again."

Steinbach also dispelled the misconception that the government is building a train station at its own expense for Tesla. He explained that this was planned even before Tesla came to the region. Brandenburg bought new trains, which were longer than the previous ones, so even then it was decided to re-equip the railway stations on this route.

© 2021, Eva Fox | Tesmanian. All rights reserved.

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