Energy transition set to transform eastern Germany – economy minister
rbb
Germany’s eastern states are set to greatly benefit from the country’s energy transition due to the high number of future-oriented companies based there and to the coal exit compromise, which will see the former coal mining regions in the west and the east together receive 40 billion euros over the next few years, German economy minister Peter Altmaier said at a regional economic forum, Berlin-Brandenburg broadcaster rbb reported. He cited as an example the auto industry, which until now had been run in typically West German fashion but was now rapidly changing. "Every seventh car produced in Germany already comes from an eastern German factory," Altmaier said. The share will continue to increase because of electric vehicles.
Volkswagen and BMW are producing electric cars in the Saxon cities of Zwickau and Leipzig, respectively, while Tesla’s new plant will soon open in Brandenburg, which Altmaier praised for its willingness to provide service and unbureaucratic solutions in hosting Tesla. The 40 billion euros that will flow into the region in the coming yeas to offset the coal exit will further stimulate various branches of industry, he added.
