Red Bull expansion in Baruth/Mark sparks groundwater dispute

Red Bull and Rauch Fruchtsäfte are planning a major expansion of their production site in Baruth/Mark, Germany. The project involves a three-digit million-euro investment to transform the current facility into a large production campus, including a new can factory and expanded logistics areas. The companies anticipate creating up to 400 new jobs, potentially increasing the local workforce to approximately 600.

The expansion requires clearing 17 hectares of pine forest, which the companies intend to offset by creating over 100 hectares of new forest and green spaces. The project also aims to reduce environmental impact by avoiding thousands of truck trips annually through shorter transport routes.

However, the plan has faced significant opposition from environmental groups and local citizens concerned about groundwater depletion. This tension is heightened by recent heatwaves and low precipitation levels in Brandenburg. While the State Environmental Office maintains that groundwater reserves in the catchment area remain stable, critics are demanding greater transparency and updated water data. A previous development plan was halted by the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg due to errors regarding noise restrictions, prompting the city to initiate a new planning process.