Nine Mayor demand 521 million euros for coal phase -out in Görlitz!

Nine Mayor demand 521 million euros for coal phase -out in Görlitz!

Görlitz, Deutschland - A hotly discussed topic in the region around Görlitz is the upcoming coal phase -out and the associated challenges. André Kleinfeld, works council in the LEAG power plant Boxberg, sums it up: he even considers legal steps in order to enforce the legal use of federal funds for coal phase-out. His concerns are not unfounded because he doubts that the current projects can offer future prospects for around 2,000 employees in the region. They are currently working in the Boxberg power plant and in the Reichwalde and still, which should remain in operation until 2038.

Nine Mayor from the Görlitz district have now required a funding of 521 million euros from structural funds in a position paper by 2038. They emphasize the urgency that the municipalities around the open -cast mining regions focus more on the focus. There is resentment about the awarding practice of the funds, because not only the cities and municipalities in Görlitz can submit applications, but also in Bautzen, which the already difficult situation does not simplify.

coal phase -out and structural change

In this context, Boxberg's mayor Hendryk Balko indicates the annual added value of around 500 million euros by LEAG. However, this could be endangered by the upcoming end of coal use. Another planned hydrogen power plant, the so-called H2UB, was first put on hold by LEAG, which could affect future plans for the energy transition.

The regional review committee Lausitzer Revier (RBA) plays a key role in the project selection for the application for coal exit funds. Here the Nordkommunen are calling for projects for projects in the areas of schools, leisure facilities and transport infrastructure to make the region future -proof. Specifically, 305 hectares of commercial and industrial areas are to be opened up.

Not all claims can be implemented legally, which RBA chairwoman Romy Reinisch points out. The mayor's position paper is the result of intensive discussions between District Administrator Stephan Meyer and the mayors, in which the urgency of the situation became clear. After all, the federal government has made a total of 2.4 billion euros available for structural change in the Saxon part of the Lusatian area, which provides some scope. So far, 133 projects have already been selected for funding, with a total scope of 1.5 billion euros, with 881 million euros already being firmly bound.

sustainable transformation in the region

As the current developments show, the coal phase -out requires not only economic measures, but also a holistic view of the structural change. The Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Spatial Research (BBSR) emphasizes that this process will influence society, the economy and ecology. The participation of the people in the affected areas is crucial in order to be able to actively help shape the transformation, not only in the Lausitzer, but also in the Central German and Rhenish area.

The transformation also brings new opportunities. According to a report by the Federal Environment Agency, significant jobs in the areas of renewable energies and building renovation can arise, which could partially compensate for the loss due to the coal phase -out. It is expected that almost two thirds of the employees in the lignite industry will retire by 2030. At the same time, the early exit leads to challenging effects, especially in the lignite regions, where job losses have to be distributed to the entire age structure.

These developments and the diverse approaches to cope with structural change in the lignite regions show that the coming months and years will be extremely decisive for the region. It remains to be seen whether the mayors and the citizens will receive the necessary means and support.