Field trip to the Schwarze Pumpe power station on 28 May 2026

GFZ Friends’ trip to the Schwarze Pumpe power station on 28 May 2026: The day began at the visitor centre of the LEAG Group, the plant’s operator, where we were given a wealth of insights into how the plant works and its history. In a presentation by Sven Tischer from the Brandenburg State Chancellery, the political framework, objectives and upcoming developments relating to the region’s energy supply were explained. Afterwards, Ms Perko, Guest Manager at LEAG, gave an expert guided tour of the plant site and clearly demonstrated how lignite is transported and utilised, from mining through to power generation. We learnt a great deal about the individual stages of the process and also gained insights into the technical operations on site.

The history of the site is also fascinating: the ‘Schwarze Pumpe Gas Combine’ was once the heart of the GDR’s energy supply and, from the 1960s onwards, produced up to 85 per cent of the town gas for the country.

Furthermore, there were insights into regional structural policy: the ‘Krasse Lausitz’ region faces enormous challenges, such as structural change, economic adaptation and safeguarding jobs. Thanks to the Structural Strengthening Act, a lot is happening here. A total of 10.7 billion euros is being channelled into the Lausitz region, 6 billion of which is earmarked for science and research.

In 2023, the Jänschwalde opencast mine was closed and now serves as a memorial. The Schwarze Pumpe power station will close its doors in 2038. To compensate for the coal phase-out, LEAG is focusing on innovative technologies and plans a massive expansion of hydrogen-compatible gas-fired power stations as part of the ‘GigawattFactory’. In addition, LEAG operates three smaller gas turbine power stations as a strategic grid reserve and is investing in energy storage technologies, including the BigBattery Lausitz and BigBattery Oberlausitz, to store renewable energy and increase grid stability.

The day offered a comprehensive perspective on the energy landscape, the transformation of Lusatia and the opportunities it presents. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our CEO, Dr Klaus Freytag, for the excellent organisation of this inspiring day!

And here’s another audio recommendation to go with the excursion:

Helmholtz Talks #9: Comparing Structural Change: Lusatia Meets Ecuador

[with Josefina Lehnen (anthropologist, Fellow at RIFS from 02-06/25) and Wolfgang Roick, Member of the Brandenburg State Parliament for the SPD.]

Further information:

• RIFS publication on structural change for Lusatia: Structural change as an opportunity for Lusatia. Why the beginning still lacks magic | Research Institute for Sustainability
• Information on Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG (LEAG): A future with energy | LEAG energy company | LEAG