Rostock in a dilemma: deforestation for wind power or job loss?

Rostock in a dilemma: deforestation for wind power or job loss?

Rostock is facing a groundbreaking decision that could affect not only the city, but also the entire region. EEW, a major supplier to the wind power industry, is planning to expand its production areas in the Hanseatic city. As part of this project, an ancient forest of almost 15 hectares is to be cut down, which has already heated up the minds of environmentalists. According to the Ostsee-Zeitung, a “no” to approval is not seen as an option as it would have a massive impact on the creation and security of jobs. The importance of this approval becomes clear when one considers that EEW pays millions in trade taxes to Rostock every year and the expansion is crucial for securing 1,000 jobs.

But that's not the only news from Rostock. While the city is struggling to get approval for EEW's expansion, a new contract to build an offshore wind farm has also been signed. From 2028, the wind farm, known as “Gennaker”, is expected to provide energy for over a million households. EEW, as a reliable steel pipe manufacturer, will contribute 63 steel foundations for the wind turbines. The project not only represents a significant step towards renewable energies, but also secures over 1,000 jobs for several years, further strengthening economic stability in the Rostock area, as NDR reports.

Environmental protection vs. economic necessity

Nevertheless, the issue of environmental protection remains a sensitive area. Nature conservation is pitted against economic interests, while decision-makers face the difficult choice of what to prioritize. The possibility of creating new jobs and prosperity through the EEW expansion contrasts with the concerns of environmentalists who demand the preservation of the forest. This forest is not only home to a variety of animal species, but also plays an important role in the urban ecosystem.

The federal government has clear goals: the expansion of wind power at sea should increase to 30 gigawatts by 2030 and to 70 gigawatts by 2045, according to an analysis of Germany's seaports. Achieving these ambitious goals will require significant growth in offshore markets. As a result, the creation of additional capacity in German seaports is essential to ensure smooth logistics and the construction of the necessary wind turbines.

The challenges of the future

The expansion of offshore wind power not only requires additional space for heavy-duty logistics, but also massive investments in the infrastructure of the seaports. According to experts, up to 7,000 new offshore wind turbines could be needed in the coming years, with each one being over 300 meters high and weighing more than 2,500 tons. In view of these challenges, EEW's project is all the more important, because only with a strong base of production capacities and jobs will the Rostock location remain competitive on the German offshore market.

The coming months will be crucial for how Rostock sets its course for the future. Will the city give in to pressure and grant permission for the expansion of EEW? Or will it put environmental protection first? It is clear that not only a business decision is being made here, but also the foundation for the economic and ecological development of the region must be laid. The apparent dilemma requires a smart and coordinated approach to both promote economic recovery and protect the environment.

In any case, it can be said: Rostock is on the right path to becoming an important hub for renewable energies if everyone involved is willing to pull together and find common solutions. And so the word “no” – it seems – will hardly be allowed to play a role in this discussion.