Saxon cabinet approves Lusatia project

Lusatia is set to become a pioneer of industrial transformation in Europe. Together with Brandenburg, Saxony wants the region to become the first European "Net Zero Valley". The Saxon cabinet approved the project on Tuesday. It will be officially launched in Cottbus this afternoon. The project is being led by the city of Cottbus and the district of Görlitz.

The Net Zero Valley is an EU initiative. With the Net Zero Industry Act, it aims to strengthen the production of key technologies for the energy transition - such as solar, wind and hydrogen - in Europe. The background to this is the EU's climate neutrality target for 2050, which aims to use the Net Zero Industry Act to produce at least 40 percent of the annual demand for strategically important climate-neutral technologies in Europe.

Economics Minister sees a "historic opportunity"

"Net Zero Valley Lusatia is creating a model region for the industry of the future. We are creating planning security, stimulating investment and giving Lusatia a clear direction - towards becoming a strong, sustainable business location," said Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Panter (SPD). Lusatia shows that the transition to a climate-friendly industry cannot be postponed. "We have a historic opportunity to establish the region as a global center for green technologies and at the same time create a stable, sustainable working environment for people."

After the cabinet meeting, Panter was not yet able to name any specific locations. Rather, the aim is to set a framework. The aim is not to establish traditional industry there. The minister sees the Valley more as a showcase project for sustainable industrial policy.