In Grünheide, the site of the Tesla-Gigafactory in Brandenburg, a serious dispute has arisen over the plant's water supply. The plant manager of Tesla reacted sharply to the draft of the new supply contract from the Strausberg-Erkner Water Association (WSE), which reduces the water supply quota for Tesla significantly. What is behind this conflict and what impact could it have on the production of Tesla have?
Background to the conflict: water supply for the Gigafactory
Tesla and the water consumption in Grünheide
Tesla had received approval for a water supply of 1.8 million cubic meters per year during the construction of its Gigafactory in Grünheide. According to the water association, this volume is now to be reduced to 1.4 million cubic meters. Tesla The water board argues that the composition of the wastewater from the factory has changed and consists mainly of sanitary water, as chemical-rich wastewater is now recycled.
The WSE board is therefore demanding an adjustment to the contract and a reduction in the amount of water allocated. This leads to tensions, especially as Tesla exceeds the limit values for organic substances stipulated in the old contract. However, these limits do not affect the environment, but are contractual parameters.
The reaction of Tesla
Tesla is annoyed by the WSE's approach. The plant manager of Tesla, André Thierig, compared the water board's approach to the practices of a "banana republic". This harsh criticism comes after weeks of negotiations and illustrates the company's growing frustration. The conflict concerns not only the water supply, but also the future production capacity of the Gigafactory.
Legal and political dimensions
Legal implications and uncertainties
Tesla is in a difficult position, as exceeding the contractually agreed parameters for organic substances does not violate environmental regulations, but only contractual agreements. This means that Tesla is legally contestable in this area. However, the uncertainty about the future water supply and the planned contract amendment also has political dimensions.
Disagreement among the municipalities
The dispute over the water supply is also reflected in the disagreement between the municipalities involved. While the municipality of Neuenhagen is in favor of the contract, the WSE board rejects the planned solution. The mayors of the sixteen municipalities involved disagree, which makes the outcome of the planned vote at the upcoming owners' meeting uncertain.
Conclusion and outlook
The dispute over the water supply could have far-reaching consequences for Tesla and the region. If the contract is not concluded or the water supply is further restricted, this could have a significant impact on the production and operation of the Gigafactory in Grünheide. The coming days and weeks will be decisive when it comes to resolving this conflict. Tesla and the municipalities involved must now reach an agreement quickly so as not to jeopardize the further development of the project.
Keywords
Tesla, Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Accessories, Tesla Store, Shop4Tesla, Tesla News, Gigafactory Grünheide, water delivery, water supply Tesla
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