Tesla's Water Deal: Higher Limit Values for Grünheide Factory's Wastewater
Tesla Finalizes Water Agreement for Water Recycling Program - Tesla agrees on water reuse arrangement
In a move that's stirred up some dust, electric car giant Tesla has signed a new water agreement with the Strausberg-Erkner (WSE) regional water association for its factory in Grünheide, near Berlin. The deal allows for higher limit values for wastewater pollution, according to German Press Agency reports.
André Thierig, plant manager in Grünheide, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "We're thrilled that the signed contract paves the way for long-term, secure, and sustainable water use in the region. This contract ensures we can continue our successful wastewater recycling efforts from production."
With this agreement, Tesla can continue to recycle 100% of wastewater generated, returning close to 400,000 cubic meters of water to the WSE. This amounts to a significant reduction in water consumption, as previously the factory was consuming water at levels higher than the industry average.
Yet, the news hasn't been met with universal applause. Environmentalists have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the region's water supply, particularly given that part of the Gigafactory is located in a water protection area. The controversial "Turn off the tap for Tesla" alliance protested against the new agreement on Thursday.
Tesla has consistently argued that its water consumption at the Grünheide factory is lower than average for the electric car industry and has significantly reduced overall consumption. Despite the ongoing controversy, the company hopes this deal will put an end to the public conversation.
The only European Tesla plant, established by CEO Elon Musk, has been producing electric cars in Grünheide since 2022. However, Tesla's sales in Germany haven't seen the same boost experienced during the electric car boom. In May, around 1,200 Teslas hit the roads, about a third fewer than in the same month the previous year.
- Recycling
- Grünheide
- Tesla
- Berlin
- WSE
- Wastewater
- Environmental Concerns
- Protests
- The water recycling efforts at Tesla's Grünheide factory, near Berlin, will continue unabated as the factory can now discharge higher limit values of wastewater, according to a new agreement with the Strausberg-Erkner (WSE) regional water association.
- This agreement allows Tesla to recycle 100% of its wastewater, returning nearly 400,000 cubic meters of water to the WSE, significantly reducing water consumption in comparison to industry averages.
- The agreement has sparked environmental concerns and protests, with critics expressing worry about the potential impact on the region's water supply, especially since part of the Gigafactory is located in a water protection area.
