Today in Prague, Fiala will negotiate with the representatives of the Pilsen region about the gigafactory
Update: 27/10/2022 00:04
Issued by: 27/10/2022, 00:04
Prague – Today in Prague, Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) will hold talks with Pilsen Region Governor Rudolf Špoták (Pirates), Pilsen Mayor Roman Zarzycky (ANO) and other representatives of the region about the planned construction of a battery factory for Volkswagen electric cars in Línich near Pilsen. Last week, the government’s intention to build an industrial zone at the reserve army airport, on the other hand, the representatives of the surrounding municipalities do not agree with the project.
Volkswagen, which also includes the Czech Škoda Auto, should decide on the location for the gigafactory in Central Europe between the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland by the end of this year. But this means that in November he should receive a guaranteed promise from the Czech side to resolve the necessary conditions. These include changing the land use plan, building water and energy sources or a road feeder.
Last week, Zarzycký called on Fiala for the government to reconsider the way in which it informs the affected municipality and the region about the state. At the same time, the government should publish the opinion of the army, which would have to give up the airport. Aeroclubs and flying schools, as well as an air ambulance service, currently operate at the non-public airport.
The eventual construction of the 185-hectare gigafactory could begin in the third quarter of 2024, and the factory could start production in 2027. It is expected to gradually create more than 4,000 skilled jobs, Škoda Auto board member Martin Jahn said last week. The value of the factory is supposed to be 120 billion CZK.