Lausitz in focus: Is the Net Zero Valley an illusion or a dream of the future?

Lausitz in focus: Is the Net Zero Valley an illusion or a dream of the future?

On June 16, 2025, Cottbus was dominated by the 12th City Talk, which was organized by the Cottbus Citizens' Forum under the motto "Net Zero Valley: Lusatia as a model region - investment, illusion, discussion". Moderated by Dirk Flindemann, the event offered a platform for the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition in the region. Dr. Markus Negemann, alderman and treasurer of Cottbus, presented the concept of “Net Zero Valley”, which aims to reduce bureaucracy and attract new industrial companies without primarily focusing on climate protection. A controversial goal that raises both hopes and skepticism.

Positive and negative aspects were discussed lively. Fears were raised that the redesign of the industrial landscape could potentially increase CO2 emissions in the short term. These concerns are based on the concept, which is based on two EU regulations: the Critical Raw Materials Act and the Net Zero Industry Act. Here, 19 strategic technologies are identified in which billions of euros are to be invested in order to counteract Europe's dwindling competitiveness and at the same time shorten the approval processes by years.

Strategic planning and challenges

Cottbus has already actively dealt with an application for the “Net Zero Valley”, which was submitted last March. The focus is on 11 industrial areas with over 800 hectares in Lusatia, which are to be used for new technologies such as battery and energy storage solutions as well as intelligent power grids. Strategic environmental assessment processes are underway and an official designation is targeted in October. Despite these advances, there are complex criticisms. Engineer Lutz Hartig, for example, presented a critical analysis of the energy transition in which he questioned the feasibility of climate-neutral energy supply by 2045. The Federal Audit Office supports this with a clear “no”.

One of the main challenges remains Germany's dependence on fossil fuels, which is currently still at 80 percent. The decline in the guaranteed output of wind power and photovoltaics is also discussed. Political actors like Dr. Negemann are aware of the difficulties, but are optimistic about future technological advances. The discussion is particularly heated about the role of nuclear power, which Hartig presents as the most cost-effective solution for energy production. These emotions reflect deeper concerns about energy security after the coal phase-out.

The role of citizenship

A central concern of the event was to actively involve citizens in the discourse. The Citizens' Forum is already planning further discussions on relevant topics such as the 2030 Agenda and the role of cash in the digital age. In order to promote dialogue and create broad acceptance for the projects, an eight-member committee made up of representatives from the chambers of industry and commerce and the chambers of crafts will also be set up. This underpins the political legitimacy of the “Net Zero Valley”.

Despite the existing financial and organizational difficulties, Dr. Negemann admits that delays are part of the process and emphasizes the strategic importance of the projects for the future of Lusatia. The entire discussion surrounding the “Net Zero Valley” shows that there is an enormous opportunity for the region, but that a good hand in implementation is also required.

For those interested: The contact person for “Net Zero Valley” is Dr. Markus Niggemann. If you have any questions, you can contact him atnetzerovalley@cottbus.deor by phone at0355 612 2105be contacted. This means that Lusatia is not only in geographical focus, but also a hotspot for innovative ideas and crucial discussions on the future of energy supply.

For more information about the project and further developments in the region, it is worth taking a look at the official “Net Zero Valley” website at netzerovalley.eu and contribute to the detailed reporting coolis.de.