Tesla’s plans to install a solar array over parking spaces at its factory in Giga Berlin, Germany, have hit another bureaucratic roadblock. Authorities from the Oder-Spree district, where the factory is located, have reportedly stopped the construction of the solar array after it was discovered that Tesla had planted 104 stakes into the ground without proper approval. According to reports, meter-long concrete piles being installed into a water protection area require authorization from local authorities, and Tesla failed to secure it before starting the operation.
The district of Oder-Spree has stated that it assumes the low insertion depth of the piles won’t interfere with groundwater quality. However, the construction work has been stopped by the district, and the situation is being assessed.
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Tesla’s journey to build the Giga Berlin factory has been plagued with difficulties and setbacks. Before the factory could start production, the automaker had to secure a multitude of permits, approvals, and green lights from various government organizations. Despite receiving approval in March 2022, the factory is far from completion. The automaker’s request for an expansion of the plant, which would add 100 hectares, has been delayed indefinitely by local officials.
Local residents have also been opposed to the factory, with some alleging inadequate monitoring of the construction site. The Water Association of Strausberg-Erkner has praised authorities for intervening in the illegal construction work, stating that the competent authority has stopped it due to the undeniable facts.
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In Germany, the authorities may seem more challenging to deal with, but they are set up to protect local environmental standards and provide citizens with a platform to voice their concerns. The latest setback in Tesla’s solar array project at Giga Berlin highlights the importance of adhering to local regulations and securing proper approvals before starting any construction work.
