In 1984, German energy group RHEINBRAUN started making plans for Garzweiler II, the extension of the already existing brown coal surface mine Garzweiler I in the western part of Germany.

Until the year 2044, the biggest brown coal surface mine in Europe will rise above more than 114 km². About 7,500 people in 13 villages were and will be forced to move away from their native homes.

Although politically yeasty discussed, the evacuation has started some years ago. Since then, a whole region has turned into a torn down landscape with abandoned houses and deserted streets.

Though most of the people who were driven away moved into new build towns with new raised houses payed by RHEINBRAUN, they've lost their homes forever.

My pictures show what money can't buy.

Pictures taken August 2002 to June 2006 (work in progress).

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