Studies on water storage in Lusatia planned

The planned coal phase-out in Lusatia by 2038 is threatening to cause the groundwater in the entire region to sink. Experts from the water authorities in Brandenburg and Saxony have been working for years to stabilize the water balance. A further study, which is to be put out to tender at the end of April this year, also serves this goal. In response to a question from the AfD parliamentary group, the Ministry of Agriculture in Potsdam announced that the tender will be issued by the Saxon state administration and will examine the possibilities for water storage at existing dams, water reservoirs and post-mining lakes, such as the Cottbus Baltic Sea. In response to an inquiry from the German Press Agency, the authority stated that it expects the study, which is to be put out to tender across Europe, to take 18 months to complete. Work is not expected to begin until the fourth quarter of 2025 at the earliest.

Further study planned with storage at Schwielochsee

A further study by the Spree, Schwarze Elster and Lausitzer Neiße river basin management working group of the two federal states is to be carried out this summer, the Ministry of Agriculture in Potsdam also announced. It is to look at other storage options, including the Schwielochsee in the Dahme-Spreewald district of Brandenburg.

In the case of the Baltic Sea and the Schwielochsee, all questions regarding the proportionality of storage use need to be clarified, the Ministry of Agriculture explained. It is also to be clarified whether the projects can be implemented technically, legally and financially.

Study on water pipeline from the Baltic Sea to Lusatia open

The Ministry of Agriculture also commented on considerations to construct a pipeline for desalinated water from the Baltic Sea to the Spree region. This is intended to stabilize the water balance in Lusatia. This gave rise to the idea of a feasibility study for such a water pipeline. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, however, no contracts for a feasibility study have yet been awarded due to Brandenburg's past and current budget situation. It is also currently not foreseeable when a future contract award will be possible.

A study launched in December 2024 is currently looking into the possibilities of transferring water from the Elbe to the Lusatian mining district. The study was commissioned by the Spree, Black Elster and Lusatian Neisse river basin management working group. The results should be available in December of next year.