Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin facility in Germany has attracted attention for its environmental performance, particularly its water consumption data. The facility has been the focus of criticism from environmental groups since its opening.

Gigafactory Berlin is completely environmentally friendly

Criticism has suggested that the factory is causing deforestation and putting pressure on water resources due to its high water consumption. Updated data shows that Tesla’s water consumption per vehicle is significantly below the industry average.

The company consumed significantly less water than initially planned. Consequently, it returned its annual water usage rights of 377,000 cubic meters to the Strausberg-Erkner Water Association. The factory’s total water consumption in 2024 was recorded as 456,000 cubic meters.

This amount corresponds to a water consumption of 2.16 cubic meters per vehicle produced. The average consumption in the automotive sector is between 2.84 and 3.5 cubic meters. Tesla’s figure is well below industry standards.

Gigafactory Berlin recently received the European Environmental Management and Audit System (EMAS) certification. This certification recognizes the factory’s current environmental measures and commitment to continuous improvement.

Plant manager Andre Thierig announced that more than 2 million trees have been planted to date. Thierig also stated that they aim to achieve an additional 5 to 15 MW of solar panel capacity on the factory’s rooftops by the end of the year. The facility has set a goal of recycling 90 percent of the wastewater used in production this year.

The factory’s total energy consumption in 2024 was 419,000 MWh. Electricity accounts for the largest share of this consumption. Natural gas consumption is being reduced by recovering waste heat. The facility currently employs approximately 11,000 people and has an average annual production capacity of 250,000 vehicles.