Lower Saxony Allocates €254 Million to Battle Rising Sea Levels and Floods
Lower Saxony is pouring record funds into flood and coastal defense as rising sea levels threaten its 617-kilometer coastline. The state government has announced an extra €254 million for protection measures, alongside new laws to speed up approvals for critical projects. Environment Minister Meyer stressed that climate action and water management are now top priorities.
A new Water Act will fast-track all coastal and flood protection schemes by giving them public priority status. This change aims to cut red tape and accelerate essential work. Meanwhile, the state has secured €43 million in EU co-funding through the ELER program to restore pumping stations and hydraulic facilities.
The Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal Defense, and Nature Conservation Agency (NLWKN) will expand its workforce to handle the increased workload. By late 2026, the agency must also publish a master plan for sluices and pumping stations across the state. Of the 35 approved projects so far, 26 focus on modernizing pumping stations.
An additional €20 million in state funds will launch a new funding round later this year. This money will support energy-efficient upgrades to sluices and pumping stations. Beyond flood defenses, Lower Saxony is investing over €200 million in wider water infrastructure. Plans include expanding water retention systems and promoting greening projects in cities to reduce surface sealing.
Coastal areas face the most urgent challenge. Authorities are preparing to raise defenses by at least one meter—with options for two meters—to counter rising sea levels. The measures form part of a broader push to strengthen climate resilience across the region.
The funding boost and legal reforms will help Lower Saxony upgrade its defenses against flooding and erosion. With EU support and expanded agency resources, the state aims to complete key projects faster. The master plan for sluices and pumping stations is expected to guide long-term investment decisions.
