Tesla has reportedly continued work preparing to expand its Berlin gigafactory, beginning to clear 70 hectares of local pine forest.
In a move almost as paradoxical as the recent dismantling of a wind farm to make way for the expansion of a coal mine, Tesla has reportedly begun clearing the way for the next expansion of Gigafactory Berlin.
According to local news outlet rbb24, trees began to be felled late last week to make room for new production buildings to be built in the northern part of the site.
Located in Grünheide, just 30 kilometres south-east of Berlin, Tesla has been planning several expansion options.
Building the gigafactory on the site necessitated clearance of much of the forest back in early 2020, which raised concerns with local conservationists. Tesla was ultimately approved to clear the area, but conservationists are nevertheless gearing up to oppose this latest clearing effort.
Tesla launched its plans to expand Gigafactory Berlin in May, with a planned 100-hectares to be added to the existing site.
Amongst Tesla’s plans for expanding Gigafactory Berlin is the construction of a freight depot, train station, training centre, and even a kindergarten. Tesla is also hoping to build battery cells at the factory and eventually build other electric vehicles.
Currently, Gigafactory Berlin is producing 2,000 units per week, with an aim to be producing 5,000 Model Y vehicles per week.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.