Lusatia. Awesome area.
Why this site exists and the dynamics of structural change
Germany is famous for many things, but perhaps not for its weather. Lusatia is different: ‘Sunny and dry’ is what the weather forecast regularly says when the region in the east of the country, close to the border with Poland, is displayed. In summer, the temperatures are regularly a little higher, the clouds are often fewer than in the rest of the country and the activities are correspondingly: paddling, cycling or swimming are common activities after work or school.
It's all about quality of life here
Lusatia has a blatantly high recreational value and a high quality of life - and a history of profound change. You don't need to look very deeply into history to recognise the harsh interventions and social upheavals that still have an impact today. The most recent rollercoaster of collective emotions spans just 80 years, one lifetime by today's standards, and begins with the end of the Second World War.
At that time, Lusatia became the energy production center of the GDR. A third of the world's lignite was mined in the Lusatian coalfield, making the GDR the largest lignite producer in the world. Around 200 million tonnes are mined every year in 30 open-cast mines; 100,000 people were employed here. Cities grew rapidly and housing estates were built. Then came the political turnaround with the reunification of Germany.
The history that shaped Lusatia
Shortly afterwards, a structural break occurred that still characterises Lusatia today. Power plants were closed and entire generations were forced to emigrate in search of work. Towns lost up to 55 per cent of their inhabitants. Unemployment soared to record levels; tourism, administration and other industrial jobs were barely able to cushion the fall.
Those who stayed were characterized by disappointed hopes and fear, including fears for their own livelihoods. Now the climate protection-related coal phase-out is imminent nationwide: from 2038, coal will no longer be mined in Germany. For Lusatia, this means shutting down the remaining opencast mines.
Why it’s different this time
This time, however, it is not a structural break, but a structural change. 10.3 billion euros are being channeled into Lusatia to establish new value chains, create high-quality industrial jobs and develop prospects. Battery technology and lightweight construction play a special role, as do healthcare, mobility, science transfer and culture.
To ensure that this change reaches everyone, there is the image campaign ‘Die Lausitz. Krasse Gegend - Lusatia. Awesome area.’ This website, social media channels, videos, reels, the district tour and other events as well as press work are used to disseminate information about the future of Lusatia, its people and its special features.
Lusatia – a power region
Will Lusatia change completely as a result of this transformation? What opportunities will arise for investors from abroad? Stay tuned and follow us on our social media channels. The climate in the region in the heart of Europe is expected to remain sunny, warm and predominantly dry - and this is also a cornerstone for the future. Photovoltaics and wind power will find ideal conditions in Lusatia for the future power supply. This means that this part of Germany will remain an energy region, even during the transition from coal-fired power generation to green alternatives.
