Brandenburg's Minister of Economics clarifies questions raised in connection with the construction of Tesla Giga Berlin

Photo: Till Budde

The construction of Giga Berlin is proceeding in a completely unusual way for Germany and therefore raises many questions and doubts there. However, it should be kept in mind that everything happens within the framework of the law, and the new EV factory in Brandenburg will greatly benefit all parties. Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor and Energy Jörg Steinbach clarifies the issues raised in connection with the construction of Tesla’s Giga Berlin.

Usually, the planning and approval process precedes construction. Nevertheless, Tesla took a different path, taking advantage of legal rights. Steinbach says the new process "takes getting used to," but expects things to go smoothly. RBB spoke with the minister and asked some questions that could provide a broader understanding of what is going on.

Many locals still do not understand how Tesla was able to build these huge buildings with only prior permissions. Steinbach says this process does take some getting used to, but it is a completely legal remedy nonetheless. Usually, the practice of initial planning, full approval, and only then construction is used. But this can also take a very long time. If companies really want to build a facility faster, then they should take advantage of this means.

In parallel with the construction of Giga Berlin buildings, changes are also taking place in the area around it. At the moment, new roads and a new train station are being built, but the locals are worried that Giga Berlin may remain unfinished.

The minister explained that this is a two-way street. The community needs to understand that Tesla has already spent over 500 million euros on construction. At the same time, while Tesla is taking this action at its own risk, it understandably hopes that the approval process will completed properly. In addition, Tesla agreed to dismantle all buildings in the case that the project is not ultimately approved. "But for me, this is a very, very unlikely event," Steinbach said.

Throughout the construction process, the media also frequently drew attention to the fact that Tesla had a few delayed payments, which became a cause for concern about the company's financial stability. Such articles clearly over-inflated the problem and placed disproportionate, negative attention on Tesla. However, Steinbach explained that this happens all the time with companies of this size. The minister explained that he had encountered this before. Payment deadlines are often pushed back to the last moment to indirectly save money. This is inconvenient for the host side, but "it's a fact of life."

Due to Tesla's presence, the left faction in the state parliament has demanded that the company shoulder some of the public infrastructure costs. However, Steinbach made it clear that this will not happen. If infrastructure facilities are built only for the company itself, then the company itself must pay for it. If it is a public road that is also used by others, which also benefits the municipality, it remains a public concern. "It has always been like this in Brandenburg, and it will continue to be so," said the minister.

© 2021, Eva Fox. All rights reserved.

_____________________________

We appreciate your readership! Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Article edited by @SmokeyShorts, you can follow him on Twitter

Follow @EvaFoxU