Water as a Key Factor for Business Location: Insights from the Lausitz Water Conference

The importance of water as a critical factor for business location has been emphasized at the recent Lausitz Water Conference. This gathering focused on the future of water management in the region, highlighting its role in attracting businesses.

According to the Cottbus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), water availability is becoming increasingly vital for companies considering establishing or expanding their operations. The IHK stressed the need for businesses to have confidence in the sustainability of water resources, especially as challenges related to water scarcity loom larger.

As noted by industry experts, the success of the ongoing structural transformation in the region is closely tied to advancements in water management. With the impending end of coal mining expected by 2038, the region faces the prospect of significant water shortages unless proactive measures are taken now.

Brandenburg, which includes the Lausitz, is among the driest states in Germany. The conference aimed to explore how the water sector--encompassing both water supply and wastewater management--can adapt during this transition from coal to renewable energy sources.

The event, held in Cottbus, was organized by the Lausitz Water Cluster in collaboration with the Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) and the IHK Cottbus. Approximately 250 attendees, including representatives from the top water authorities in Saxony, Brandenburg, and Berlin, participated in discussions focused on the future of water management.

Addressing the conference, speakers highlighted the critical need for innovative solutions to ensure sustainable water use and management. This is particularly important for the Lausitz, which is undergoing significant transformations as it shifts away from coal. The discussions aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders in the water sector to navigate the challenges ahead.

With climate change exacerbating water scarcity across many regions, the Lausitz is positioned at a crossroads where effective water management could play a pivotal role in its economic future. The insights and strategies developed during the conference are expected to guide regional policies and initiatives that prioritize sustainable water resources.

As the region moves forward, the significance of water as a strategic asset for business development cannot be overstated. The outcomes of the Lausitz Water Conference signal a collective commitment to addressing water management issues that will impact the economic landscape for years to come.