The wait is over. After a lengthy process that saw delays and controversies, Tesla Gigafactory Berlin has finally received its final environmental approval from Germany. The State of Brandenburg published an official document that confirmed the update. It outlines the next steps the electric vehicle maker must take to begin vehicle production at its Germany-based factory.
As per the states Press releaseThe approval for Giga Berlin includes several activities such as the production up to 500,000 vehicles per annum. The approval also covers battery cell production activities within Giga Berlin, which should allow Tesla the ability to manufacture its own cells within Germany.
The project was approved with a 536-page decision. It includes the plant for producing up to 500,000 vehicles per annum, an aluminum smelting and an aluminum findry, plants for surface and heat treatment, and a high-bay warehouse.
It is important to note that although it took two years to reach this point, Gigafactory Berlin’s formal approval was still done in a relatively quick time. The State Office of the Environment was required to inspect and approve the factory, as well the entire industrial area, which included several large-scale facilities, over the past two years. Alex Vogel, Environment Minister expressed his appreciation to the employees and other authorities of the State Office of the Environment for Giga Berlin’s rapid approval.
You are a highly-performing state administration that has always been focused on the technical requirements, high levels of protection of environment, and the protection of the public and neighborhood from dangers. Even under pressure of great public interest, unreasonable harassment, and legal certainty of the procedure, Vogel stated.
District Administrator Rolf Lindemann emphasized that Giga Berlin benefits the region. The project’s potential is evident by the fact that it faced many challenges and was still able achieve milestones such as the final environmental approval in a relatively short amount of time. He also stated that Giga Berlin, along with others who worked with Tesla over two years to approve it, will face whatever challenges are ahead with vigor.
“The Oder-Spree district described the Tesla Gigafactory as a real stroke of luck for the development of our region. We have therefore mobilized all our strength to help turn this unique opportunity into a visible success. It wasn’t always easy, and we’re anything but done when it comes to the final form of the overall project. Despite all predictions of doom, there are reasons to be proud of the achievements we have made so far.
That is why we will face the further challenges that lie ahead with confidence and with undiminished vigor.I am referring to the official support of the further expansion stages, the completion of the battery factory and of great importance, especially for local politics: as far as possible, a stress-free integration of the Gigafactory into thetraffic infrastructure.However, in order to be able to meet the sustainability aspect and smooth mobility in connection with production, it is of course necessary to startbuilding housingclose to the location and to create the associated social infrastructure.We trust in the same support from the state government that we have been able to rely on in the past, Lindemann said.
Although Giga Berlin has received her final environment approval, Tesla must still meet the state requirements. These are highlighted in the massive size of Tesla’s approval documents, which total more than 237,000 pages in 66 separate files. More than 400 ancillary clauses are included. They cover topics such as groundwater protection, wastewater-saving measures, species protection, limits for air pollutants, regulations on their measurement, and occupational safety requirements. The press release also included specific rules regarding the plant’s operations, especially how it affects groundwater.
There are 113 air pollution control requirements, which include respective chimney heights for each exhaust air stream. 22 requirements specify the methods and intervals at the exhaust air should be measured. There are 96 requirements regarding drinking water protection, wastewater disposal, and rainwater. These include the limits for discharge into the waste pressure line and cleaning procedures. It is crucial to ensure that no harmful substances are introduced into groundwater when building materials are used. With groundwater monitoring, both the formation of new groundwater and the quality of the groundwater must be checked regularly. Due to the tense water environment, not least because of climate change, it should always be possible to react as soon as possible to any changes.
The approval authority will inspect the system and determine if it is in compliance with the Hazardous Incidents Act (12th BImSchV). Tesla must create an incident concept and provide special information.
The state indicated that Tesla may now continue or start construction on Giga Berlin. It also noted that there are no suspensive effects to objections to the project. However, Tesla cannot put its Model Y production line into operation without completing several ancillary conditions. These provisions include the installation of devices to measure air pollutants and fire protection, and will be reviewed by the authorities. This step will be completed by Tesla and Model Y production can begin for customers vehicles.
Needless to mention, all eyes are now on Tesla’s ability quickly to obtain the operational permit for Giga Berlin.
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