The focus: Is Net Zero Valley an illusion or future music?

The focus: Is Net Zero Valley an illusion or future music?

Görlitzer Str. 17-18, 03046 Cottbus, Deutschland - On June 16, 2025, Cottbus was all about the 12th city discussion, which was organized by the Cotton Forum Cottbus under the motto "Net Zero Valley: Lausitz 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, deputy and treasurer of Cottbus, presented the concept of the "Net Zero Valley", which aims to reduce bureaucracy and the settlement of new industrial companies without primarily relying on climate protection. A controversial goal that arouses both hopes and skepticism.

Positive and negative aspects were lively discussed. The fear of the fear that the redesign of the industrial landscape could possibly increase at short notice CO2 emissions. These concerns are based on the concept that 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 billions are to be invested in order to counteract the dwindling competitiveness of Europe and at the same time to 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 Lausitz, which are to be used for new technologies such as battery and energy storage solutions as well as intelligent power grids. Procedures for strategic environmental examination are underway and an official designation is sought in October. Despite this progress, there is complex criticism. Ingenieur Lutz Hartig, for example, presented a critical analysis of the energy transition, in which he questions the feasibility of climate -neutral energy supply until 2045. The Federal Audit Office underpins this with a clear "no".

One of the essential challenges remains the dependence on Germany's dependence on fossil fuels, which is currently still 80 percent. In addition, the decline in the secured performance of wind power and photovoltaics is discussed. Political actors like Dr. Negemann are aware of the difficulties, but are optimistic about future technological progress. The discussion about the role of nuclear power is particularly violent, which Hartig puts in the room as the most cost -effective solution for energy generation. These emotions reflect the deeper concerns about energy safety after the coal phase -out.

The role of citizenship

A central concern of the event was to actively integrate the citizens: actively in the discourse inside. The Bürgerforum 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 to create broad acceptance for the projects, an eight-member body of representatives of the chambers of industry and commerce, as well as the chambers of crafts, is also launched. This underpins the political legitimation of the “Net Zero Valley”.

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

for interested parties: The contact person for the "Net Zero Valley" is Dr. Markus Niggemann. If you have any questions, he can be contacted at netzerovalley@cottbus.de or by phone at 0355 612 2105 . This means that Lausitz is not only geographically in focus, but also a hotspot for innovative ideas and decisive discussions in the future of energy supply.

For more information about the project and other developments in the region, it is worth taking a look at the official page of the "Net Zero Valley" at netzerovalley.eu and at the detailed reporting at Coolis.de .