Tesla is defending its Giga Berlin expansion plans, explaining their benefits in a statement after locals voted against the project. The decision to expand ultimately rests with the municipality, but the company is committed to showing citizens that the factory expansion is important and will greatly benefit the local community.
Tesla continues to count on the cooperation of the citizens of Grünheide to approve the expansion of Giga Berlin. A local vote showed only 35% support of it. Voting turnout was about 71%. This result indicated that many citizens were concerned about the expansion and the company needed to demonstrate its importance to the region.
“We see that the residents of Grünheide are concerned about the planned expansion of the area,” the company said on Wednesday, according to Manager Magazin. “We remain convinced that the logistics optimization of the factory will bring enormous benefits to society. Based on the feedback received over the past few weeks, we will coordinate next steps with all involved.”
The result of the public vote does not carry significant weight, meaning the expansion could be approved regardless of the outcome. However, it would be great to have their support. The municipality must now decide on the development plan process. The goal remains to shift most freight traffic to rail and generally expand the infrastructure around the plant. In fact, the expansion will reduce the factory’s harmful impact on the region by taking thousands of trucks off the road that deliver to and from Giga Berlin. Tesla wants to build a cargo area, warehouses, and a company daycare center on land near the factory.
The mayor of Grünheide is upset by the results of the citizen survey. He understands that this expansion will bring significant benefits to the region.
“Obviously, it has not been possible to convey to people that other important infrastructure projects, such as a new state road or a station square for the Fangschleuse station, are part of the development plan,” said Arne Christiani. “It’s a big challenge for the community to find solutions.”
Tesla Vice President, Public Policy and Business Development Rohan Patel, in a post on X, gave some clarification about the expansion. He emphasized that the zoning plan would potentially shift more freight traffic toward expanded rail infrastructure. This will benefit the population, the environment, and traffic in the area.
The media and Tesla opponents have been actively trying for months to show that the expansion will require additional water supply. However, in reality, no additional water supply will be required, Patel explained. Giga Berlin is one of the most water-efficient automotive factories in the world, capable of recycling 100% of treated water.
Patel also said Tesla’s team worked with local environmental groups to “ecologically uplift 340 hectares of hardwood forests making them more diverse and resilient.” In addition, more than 300 hectares of new forests were planted.
There is zero impact on any future expansion plans. We fully respect the referendum, and agree with @joergstb that this is a good opportunity to redouble our work with the community and all stakeholders. The zoning plan would potentially shift more freight traffic to expanded… https://t.co/B7oI536N6s
— Rohan Patel (@rohanspatel) February 21, 2024
