A study visit to Lower Lusatia, Germany, took place from September 22nd to 25th of this year. It was attended by entrepreneurs, representatives of local authorities, universities, research institutes, business support organizations, and other stakeholders in the transformation process.
The purpose of the trip was to learn about the experiences of EU coal regions related to transformation projects (including the development of brownfields), exchange experiences, and initiate cooperation. Participants had the opportunity to meet with local authorities, economic self-government, and representatives of the academic community, and visit industrial plants, including the still-operating Welzow-Süd lignite mine.
During a meeting with scientists from the Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) in Cottbus, participants learned about the region, its transformation, and the challenges it faces. They then visited several industrial plants, including:
- Hybrid Systems Center (chesco),
- LEAG AG, a leading energy company in the region, which is already facing the challenges of transforming the fuel and energy sector,
- TAKRAF AG, a leading manufacturer of mining machinery and equipment,
- the Welzow-Süd lignite mine, where operations are planned to continue until 2038, but land development activities are already planned beyond that date.
We also had the opportunity to learn about the region’s transformation experiences from a social perspective during a meeting with trade union representatives, who discussed the ongoing Revierwende project, which aims to engage employees and consider their interests during the transition away from coal.
A visit to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in turn, allowed us to learn about the support options for entrepreneurs offered by business support institutions, presented during meetings with representatives of the Brandenburg Economic Development Agency, as well as current work on the use of hydrogen.
The topic of developing post-industrial areas was discussed during a visit to the Lausitz Science Park on the site of the former airport.
The trip was one of the Chamber’s tasks as part of the project entitled “Regional Observatory of the Transformation Process 2.0 (ROPT 2.0)” (Decision No. FESL.10.22-IP.02-083F/23 of the Silesian Voivodeship Board), implemented under the European Funds for Silesia 2021-2027 Programme, Priority FESL.10 European Funds for Transformation, Measure FESL.10.22 Regional Observatory of the Transformation Process – JTF, fully financed by the Just Transition Fund.
EUFunds #EuropeanFunds #GIPH #transformation
Project partners:
- University of Economics in Katowice
- KADRA Trade Union Alliance
- Miners’ Trade Union in Poland
- Central Mining Institute – National Research Institute
- Katowice Special Economic Zone S.A.
- Silesian Voivodeship Marshal’s Office – Silesia. Positive Energy
