Tesla to earn EU's environmental approval for lessening environmental footprint
In 2022, Tesla's first car factory in Europe, the Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, opened its doors, marking a significant step towards sustainable manufacturing in the continent. The factory, located in Grünheide, Brandenburg, has been making waves in the energy sector, with a focus on reducing climate-damaging gas emissions.
The factory's energy consumption in 2024 was approximately 419,503 megawatt hours. Natural gas accounted for around 172,539 megawatt hours, while electricity took the largest share at 234,603 megawatt hours. Diesel and propane accounted for 12,355 and 6 megawatt hours respectively.
Tesla is making strides in harnessing solar power. The company plans to increase its photovoltaic solar modules from 5 to 15 megawatt peak this year, aiming to save natural gas by reducing process heating water through waste heat. However, the specific target and timing for increasing the performance of the photovoltaic systems at the factory are yet to be detailed.
The factory produces around 5,000 cars per week, equivalent to around 250,000 cars per year. With such a large production capacity, the factory's emission of greenhouse gases was around 39,667 tonnes of CO2 (carbon dioxide) in 2024.
Tesla received the EMAS seal, a long-term environmental management system that focuses on compliance with legal requirements and improvement of environmental performance. However, not everyone is convinced. The Association for Nature and Landscape in Brandenburg, along with the Ecological Democratic Party, has expressed concerns about the EMAS seal potentially weakening administrative control at Tesla. They view it as a form of "greenwashing" to appear more environmentally friendly.
Brandenburg's Minister of the Environment Hanka Mittelstädt, on the other hand, views Tesla as a role model and a "lighthouse" for environmental practices. More than 40 companies in Brandenburg already hold the EMAS certificate.
Steffen Schorcht, a spokesperson for the Association, and Thierig, a representative from Tesla, have both stated their commitments to sustainability. Despite the ongoing debates, Tesla's Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg continues to push boundaries in the pursuit of a greener future.
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