Günther is fighting for batteries in Heide and a social media ban!

Günther is fighting for batteries in Heide and a social media ban!

The Heide location could soon again be the focus of Schleswig-Holstein's economic development. Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) is bringing a breath of fresh air into the matter after the Swedish company Northvolt slid into bankruptcy. As kn-online.de reports, Günther is planning to attract a new investor for battery cell production in the region. Despite the setbacks, the Prime Minister sees the development as an opportunity and remains determined to bring batteries “Made in Heide” onto the market by 2028 or 2029 at the latest.

“There are several interested parties for the Northvolt site, and discussions with the insolvency administrator are ongoing,” explained Günther. He is also optimistic that the necessary financial support for this strategic project, which is being funded with a three-digit million sum, will be realized. Schleswig-Holstein is currently negotiating over 400 billion euros from a federal funding program in order to secure part of the funds, as shz.de reports.

Challenges and goals

Günther is faced with the challenge of making up for lost time after Northvolt's bankruptcy. The original goal of starting production in early 2028 is expected to be postponed. Nevertheless, he is convinced that the Heide location offers great potential, especially for the production of battery cells, which are in demand today. He emphasizes: “We have to produce lithium-ion batteries in Germany in order to make ourselves more independent of international supply chains.”

Another aspect that demands Günther's attention is young people and their use of social media. He calls for a ban on young people under the age of 16 and sees an urgent need for action to get the problems that arise from the use of Instagram and Co. under control. “Politicians have not sufficiently recognized the difficulties young people face online,” says Günther, who is the father of two daughters and is concerned about their future. As shz.de reports, he is optimistic that a ban can be implemented within a year.

Criticism of the government

However, not everyone pursues the same goals. The former state economics minister critically questioned Northvolt's funding and warned of the financial risks that such large projects can entail. He points out that the funding from the state government is no longer justified because the original objectives are not being achieved. The different opinions within the coalition that exists between the CDU and the Greens are always on the agenda [Spiegel.de].

The strategic work on the infrastructure, such as the A20 and the planned Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, is also a high priority for Günther. These projects are intended not only to strengthen the region's security policy, but also to make a positive contribution to economic development. The tunnel is expected to open in 2029 and is an important item on its agenda.

Overall, it remains to be seen how the situation surrounding battery cell production and social media will develop. Günther's commitment is certainly a sign that there are still many construction sites that need to be worked on in Schleswig-Holstein so that the region can move into the future economically and socially stronger.