Pathfinding study #1

Berlin Metropolitan Area, Germany

Location

Berlin and the surrounding peri-urban Brandenburg region, Germany.

BACKGROUND

Berlin faces rapid population growth in its outskirts. Climate change and the phase-out of lignite mining (which will reduce surface water flows by 50%) are creating severe water stress. The area operates a semi-closed water cycle that needs urgent modernization.

KEY FACTS

  • Population of 3.7 million.
  • Significant industrial growth requires massive water volumes.
  • Traditional centralised planning takes 15–20 years, making it too slow for current growth.

EXPECTED IMPACTS

  • Comparison of centralised vs. decentralised economic/environmental impacts
  • Development of water reuse concepts for SMEs and industrial parks.
  • Use of Nature-Based Solutions to augment natural flows and prevent ecosystem degradation.

PARTNERS INVOLVED

  OWNER  
Berliner Wasserbetriebe
  RESEARCH LEAD   
KWB