Economic Development in Dessau-Roßlau: Focus on Land Use, Solar Parks, and Climate Fund

Economic Development in Dessau-Roßlau: How Urban Planning and Energy Policy Work Hand in Hand

Dessau-Roßlau has demonstrated itself as an active and forward-thinking city in the field of economic development in April 2026. In several sessions of the Committee for Economy and Tourism, landmark decisions were made that aim to strengthen both the regional economy and climate neutrality. These measures reflect a clear strategic orientation: economic development and sustainability are not opposites but should be consciously connected in Dessau-Roßlau.

Changes to the Land Use Plan and Local Services in Mosigkau

A central topic in the committee meeting on April 21, 2026, was the 19th amendment to the land use plan for the district of Dessau. The goal is to establish building plan No. 71 "Local Services Mosigkau" in order to close the existing gap in local services. The applicant is covering all costs of the procedure, which means the city does not incur any financial burden.

The establishment of a local service provider with up to 800 m² of sales area has already been favorably assessed in an expert opinion. This project is not only of great importance for the local population but also for the city's retail sector. The administration is required to conclude an urban development contract for cost-sharing, ensuring transparency and binding commitments.

The Business and Solar Park Lukoer Straße: Combining Economy and Climate Protection in One Project

Another significant project approved in April 2026 is the building plan No. 228 "Business and Solar Park Lukoer Straße." The plan was approved in the version of January 19, 2026, and the planning rationale along with the environmental report were officially accepted. Through the project, not only commercial and industrial areas are created, but also a significant solar area that provides renewable energy locally.

The Sülzle Holding GmbH & Co. KG is covering all costs for the building planning procedure and the necessary expert reports. This is a good example of how private investors can be integrated into urban projects—without burdening the city financially. At the same time, environmental compatibility is ensured through reports such as the species protection contribution and the acoustic expert report.

The Climate Fund: How Earnings from Renewable Energies Are Utilized

Another milestone in Dessau-Roßlau is the planning of a binding procedure for the use of income under § 6 EEG (Renewable Energy Act) and the participation law of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The city has decided to establish a transparent and binding procedure by the end of 2026 to fairly and sustainably distribute the earnings from renewable energies.

The distribution takes place along three paths:

• 35 % of the earnings are distributed to city districts and municipalities according to the population key.
• 5 % are allocated to city districts directly adjacent to renewable energy plants.
• 60 % flow into the city's climate fund, which supports projects in the areas of climate protection and climate adaptation.

The climate fund is managed by the EEA Energy Team, which develops annual proposals for the use of funds that must be approved by the City Council. The goal is to also support smaller projects and initiatives, for example in the areas of energy advice, energy efficiency, or energy poverty. In addition, funds can also be used for measures in the area of urban greenery and for the BUGA.

A calculation example illustrates the scale: With an installed PV capacity of 320,000 kWp by 2030, approximately 550,000 € in annual earnings could be generated. Of this, the municipalities would receive a total of 192,500 € as a "free" budget, plus 27,500 € for locations in close proximity to EEG facilities.

Outlook: Economic Development and Sustainability as Success Factors

The decisions made by Dessau-Roßlau in April 2026 show how a city can grow economically while acting sustainably at the same time. The combination of local services, commercial construction, and solar parks, along with the prudent handling of earnings from renewable energies, forms a solid foundation for future developments.

The establishment of the climate fund is particularly noteworthy because it creates a transparent and binding framework for the distribution of funds. This not only strengthens acceptance among the population but also long-term investment security for private partners. Dessau-Roßlau thus proves that economic and climate policy can benefit from each other—and that a city can shape a sustainable future through smart planning and partnerships.