Germans Raise Drinking Water Issues Over Tesla's Berlin Plant

The water board in the region around Tesla's new factory near Berlin has raised concerns about the local water supply if the facility is expanded, Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) reported.

Photo Insert: The Strausberg-Erkner Water Association (WSE)

It is still not clear how the demand for water will be met, said the head of the Strausberg-Erkner Water Association (WSE), Andre Baehler. He also referred to the requirements of other related companies and new housing for employees.

A contract for the water supply for the first stage of expansion of the factory in the Gruenheide area has already been signed.

The Brandenburg Environment Ministry said it did not see any new need for action so far. "We have not yet received any plans or applications for further expansion stages," said spokesperson Frauke Zelt.

Tesla boss Elon Musk said at an open day in Gruenheide on October 9 that he wanted to start producing electric cars there by December at the latest, pending final approval from the authorities.

Tesla has estimated that the facility's water consumption could reach up to 1.4 million cubic meters per year once the plant is working at full capacity to produce some 500,000 vehicles annually.

Tesla estimates it will need 2.2 cubic meters of water per vehicle, including the planned battery production, stressing that this is below the industry average of over 3 cubic meters.

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