Science
Gravitational waves are tiny distortions of spacetime that arise when very massive objects - such as black holes or neutron stars - are rapidly accelerated, for example, when they merge. These waves travel through the cosmos at the speed of light. Passing gravitational waves cause minute expansions or compressions of space, which appear as tiny changes in the distance between test objects. Albert Einstein predicted them in his general theory of relativity at the beginning of the 20th century. Because their effects are extraordinarily weak, they were not experimentally detected until 2015.
The Einstein Telescope will operate on the principle of laser interferometry, like existing detectors such as LIGO in the United States and VIRGO in Italy. In simple terms, laser beams are sent down two kilometer-scale arms and reflected back by mirrors. When the beams recombine, their light waves overlap and form a so-called interference pattern. As a gravitational wave passes through the detector, it causes extremely small changes in the lengths of the arms. These tiny variations shift the interference pattern of the light, allowing them to be detected with very high precision.
Albert Einstein was a physicist and Nobel Prize laureate who lived from 1879 to 1955. Based on his general theory of relativity, he predicted the existence of gravitational waves at the beginning of the 20th century. The telescope is named after Albert Einstein because it builds on his groundbreaking ideas and expands our understanding of the universe.
In 2015, gravitational waves were detected directly for the first time, marking a major breakthrough in physics. Existing detectors can only pick up the strongest signals from relatively nearby or especially massive events, but the Einstein Telescope will be much more sensitive: It is expected to measure about ten times more precisely than current instruments, allowing it to detect weaker and more distant sources across a wider frequency range. It will be able to measure length changes smaller than one ten-thousandth of an atomic nucleus, giving scientists far more insight into the universe, its objects, their evolution, and cosmic events that were previously out of reach.
The Einstein Telescope should not be thought of as a conventional observatory, as it measures gravitational waves rather than electromagnetic radiation such as light or radio waves. The Einstein Telescope will not need classic antennas, optical scopes, or parabolic mirrors, but rather long, highly precise laser arms with mirrors. Unlike conventional telescopes, its shape is purely functional, designed for extremely sensitive distance measurements. Finally, it will be built underground to minimize environmental and seismic disturbances.
Economy
The construction of the Einstein Telescope alone will generate significant economic benefits. The extensive underground construction work, the development of surface infrastructure, and the installation of technical systems are expected to take more than a decade. Even during this preparation period, a large workforce will be required, and there will be close collaboration with regional companies and skilled workers.
The Einstein Telescope will bring together highly specialized technical expertise and drive innovation. The focus will be on:
- Photonics, laser- and quantum optics
- Precision sensor technology and optical measurement systems
- Detector design and development
- Investigation and reduction of disruptive noise sources
- Vacuum, cryogenic, and silicon technologies
- Data processing, high-performance computing, and data science
These developments will enable new entrepreneurial activity and spin-offs, strengthening Germany’s position as a high-tech hub in the long term. Experience from comparable large-scale research facilities—such as CERN near Geneva or the Garching Research Campus - shows that such projects have led to numerous companies being founded, with many researchers later moving into industry. Similar effects are expected for Lusatia: the Einstein Telescope is anticipated to stimulate new value chains and create highly skilled jobs in the region.
During the construction phase, which is expected to last more than a decade, approximately 4,000 workers will be needed. Once the facility becomes operational, about 200 direct jobs will be created at the research facility, supplemented by numerous indirect jobs in the region. The exact figures for the Lusatia site are currently being determined through ongoing studies.
Region
The Einstein Telescope will have a lasting positive impact on the region for decades. Examples of other international large-scale research infrastructures with positive local effects include CERN near Geneva or the Garching research campus. People in Lusatia will benefit directly if the Einstein Telescope is built in their region through:
Attractive career prospects and numerous jobs, including outside the scientific field
- Impulses for the regional economy
Educational and informational offerings for young and old
Lusatia as a widely visible hub of cutting-edge research and international collaboration
A large-scale project with a decades-long lifespan, like the Einstein Telescope, creates stable conditions, counteracts emigration, and opens up new incentives to stay or return.
The studies to determine the precise location are focused on the Bautzen district, in the area between Bautzen, Kamenz, and Hoyerswerda. Plans include deep drilling, seismic measurements, geotechnical analyses, and subsurface modeling to thoroughly assess the area’s suitability for the Einstein Telescope.
No. Investigations by the competent nuclear authority confirm the geological characteristics of the Lusatian granite massif. The studies do not rule out scientific use. On the contrary: The stable, seismically quiet conditions make Lusatia particularly attractive for the Einstein Telescope. A repository operation would be incompatible with high-precision experiments and is therefore excluded in the immediate vicinity. Individual site investigations for a repository do not affect the overall site evaluation for the project - all potential areas of the region can still be evaluated as candidate locations for the Einstein Telescope.
The Einstein Telescope’s energy consumption will be approximately that of an average hospital. In any case, additional infrastructure would need to be built to adequately secure the research facility’s energy supply. A concrete assessment of the requirements and necessary measures will be conducted as part of the feasibility study in collaboration with energy suppliers.
Wind turbines generate seismic vibrations that can, in principle, affect sensitive measurements. However, many factors can play an important role: size, distance, and geological conditions. In particular, larger wind farms can generate relevant signals. The feasibility study, in collaboration with scientific partners, is investigating the impact of such turbines and developing technical and planning solutions to minimize potential disturbances. Should Lusatia indeed be selected as the site for the Einstein Telescope, appropriate regulations for the operation of wind turbines in the vicinity of the telescope will be established in consultation with state and local authorities and operators.
Major European Project
Three European regions have been officially identified as potential sites: Lusatia (Germany), the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (spanning Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany), and the area around the Sos Enattos mine in Sardinia (Italy). All three regions are currently undergoing geological surveys, including seismic measurements, geological analyses, and feasibility studies, to assess their suitability for an underground, highly sensitive gravitational wave detector. The final decision will be made through an international selection process.
Yes. There is now also a formal agreement between Lusatia and Sardinia: On January 12, 2026, Alessandra Todde, President of the Region of Sardinia, and Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer signed a cooperation agreement in the presence of Saxony’s Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow to deepen scientific collaboration between the two candidate sites.
The decision on the host location will be made through an international, science-based selection process. Saxony has excellent qualifications and is supported by a strong network of partners. At the same time, the competition is tough, and several locations in Europe meet key criteria. The goal of Saxony’s bid is to present a scientifically sound concept.
The Einstein Telescope is a major European project that must be funded by several partners. Construction costs are expected to run into the billions of euros. Funding is expected to come from European, national, and regional sources. Specific cost and financing plans are still being developed, as the final location has not yet been decided. Transparency, cost-effectiveness, and a balanced contribution from the participating partners are key criteria.
According to the current schedule, the site selection decision is expected to be made in 2027, following the completion of the ongoing studies. Only after this decision is made can further steps - such as detailed planning, permitting processes, and the actual start of construction - proceed.
The decision regarding the future location of the Einstein Telescope will be made at the European level. A special committee composed of government representatives from the countries participating in the project - the Board of Governmental Representatives (BGR) - coordinates the selection process. The following criteria are evaluated in particular:
- Geological and seismological suitability
- Long-term operational safety
- Political and financial support
The final decision on the location will be made jointly by the governments of the participating European countries. The specific procedure and the exact composition of the decision-making body are currently being finalized. However, it is confirmed that all participating countries will be represented.