In the Lausitz region of eastern Germany, there is a popular saying that perfectly captures the paradox of the area. It goes, “God created the Lausitz, but Satan put coal underneath.” For the past century, local residents have made a pact with the devil, sacrificing their lush green forests and centuries-old villages in exchange for jobs and economic prosperity fueled by the dirty lignite coal found beneath the surface. However, with the looming deadline of 2038 for Germany’s coal-fired power plants to be shut down and the increasing threat of heatwaves caused by climate change, the pact is running out of time.
Enter Leag, the coal giant based in the city of Cottbus in Lausitz. With four active lignite mines and four coal-fired power stations, Leag has made an ambitious pledge to reinvent itself as a leader in renewable energy. The company plans to invest €10bn in building Europe’s biggest solar farm and numerous wind turbines on its vast land holdings. The goal is to attract tech companies, chipmakers, and electric vehicle battery producers to the region, thereby creating new jobs and prosperity.
However, the task at hand is immense and the company’s owner, Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský, has faced skepticism from environmental groups and local residents. Křetínský, known as the “coal king,” has previously invested in coal assets across Europe and some doubt his commitment to the energy transition. Nonetheless, Leag remains determined to achieve its renewable energy targets and prove the skeptics wrong.
One dedicated individual working towards this goal is Fabian von Oesen, head of Leag’s renewables division. With a background in offshore wind projects, von Oesen sees the opportunity to turn one of Europe’s dirtiest companies green as a personal calling. He is proud of the company’s innovative projects, such as installing solar panels on water, and believes that Leag can overcome the obstacles it faces, such as slow approval processes and supply chain bottlenecks.
Leag’s audacious plan includes a “gigawatt factory” that combines wind turbines, solar panels, gas power plants, power storage facilities, and hydrogen production units. While the company has no prior experience in renewable energy, its significant land holdings and recent recruitment of renewable energy experts give it an advantage. However, it still faces challenges similar to other renewable energy developers in Germany, including slow approval processes and grid adaptation issues.
Despite these obstacles, von Oesen remains steadfast in his belief that Leag will achieve its renewable energy targets. He is driven by the desire to secure a future for the Lausitz region and prevent the exodus of talent that occurred after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Ultimately, Leag’s success in transforming itself into a renewable energy powerhouse will not only determine the future of Germany’s electricity production but also impact the political and social prospects of the Lausitz region.
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