by Maggi Leung, Professor in international Development Studies, University of Amsterdam
On 20 June 2023, a group of 14 students and two instructors from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) visited Grünheide and the Tesla factory area. Our visit was guided by Steffen Schorcht, who is resident and spokesperson of Bürgerinitiative Grünheide, a group of activists that opposes the construction and operation of the Tesla factory. The visit was part of the programme of the “Research Abroad” course for Bachelor-level students in the Department of Human Geography, Planning and International Development of the UvA. Apart of the 13 students from this programme, Denis Zeković, then master student in International Development Studies, also joined the tour. He wrote his master thesis on the notion of periphery and the role of diverse actors and institutions in the “making of the periphery”, focusing on Grünheide.[1]
The 3-hour walk from Fangschleuse train station offered us first-hand impressions of the area. Steffen Schorcht led us through the wood to a spot from which we could see the Tesla factory and the construction work around it. At different stops, Steffen Schorcht explained the impact of the Tesla factory, his opinion about the problematic decision-making procedures and governance practices surrounding the construction of the factory, as well as the continuous activism work that he and his group had engaged in.
Coming from the Netherlands, we were very interested and impressed by the magnitude of the Tesla factory. Through Steffen Schorcht’s enthusiastic illustrations, we were able to gain insights into the varied positions toward this mega investment project. It was a very thought-provoking Waldspaziergang.
It was a very hot summer day. Our walk ended at a Greek restaurant at the Fangschleuse station, where we enjoyed good conversations over some refreshing drinks. Cheers to Steffen Schorcht! Good luck with your activism work!!
[1] Zeković, D. (2023) “Governing Regions, Governing People? Exploring Peripheries through Regional Development and Civil Society in the Light of Multi-Level Governance: The Case of the Tesla Gigafactory in Oder-Spree (Germany)”. University of Amsterdam. Master thesis.