Planned Studies on Water Storage Solutions in Lausitz Region

The transition away from coal mining in the Lausitz region, coupled with the impacts of climate change, poses significant challenges to the area's water resources. To address these changes, several studies are set to be undertaken.

The planned phase-out of coal by 2038 is expected to lead to a decline in groundwater levels throughout the region. Experts from the water authorities in Brandenburg and Saxony have been working for years to stabilize the water balance. A new study, expected to be announced by the end of April, aims to explore potential water storage options at existing reservoirs, dams, and post-mining lakes, such as the Cottbus Ostsee, according to the Brandenburg Ministry of Agriculture in response to inquiries from the AfD party.

The study will be conducted by the Saxon State Administration and will be advertised on a European level. The authorities anticipate that the study will take approximately 18 months, with work expected to commence no earlier than the fourth quarter of 2025.

Additionally, another study focusing on storage possibilities at the Schwielochsee is scheduled to be developed by the summer. The Ministry confirmed that all questions regarding the feasibility of storage usage will be addressed, including technical, legal, and financial aspects.

Moreover, there are considerations for constructing a pipeline to transport desalinated water from the Baltic Sea to the Spree region, aimed at stabilizing the water balance in Lausitz. However, due to budgetary constraints in Brandenburg, no contracts for a feasibility study have been awarded thus far, with no timeline currently available for future tenders.

As part of ongoing efforts, a study initiated in December 2024 is examining the possibility of transferring water from the Elbe River to the Lausitz region. This study, commissioned by the working group responsible for managing the Spree, Schwarze Elster, and Lausitzer Neiße river basins, is expected to yield results by December of the following year.