Tesla to win approval for $5.5-bn Berlin gigafactory on Friday

State of Brandenburg to hold press conference on Friday; Tesla's Berlin gigafactory has faced several delays, factory key to Tesla's ambitions in Europe

The German state of Brandenburg has called a news conference for Friday at which it is widely expected to approve Tesla's 5 billion euro ($5.5 billion) gigafactory near Berlin if certain conditions are met.

"The approval procedure for the e-car and battery factory of the U.S. company Tesla in Gruenheide in Brandenburg is nearing completion," the state government said in a statement.

Tesla has for months been awaiting approval for a licence to begin production at the electric vehicle (EV) factory and adjacent battery plant in Gruenheide near Berlin, slowed down by red tape and local opposition.

CEO Elon Musk has made his