Until the 1970s, the economy of the largest district in Lower Saxony was dominated by farming. Today, this region bordering the Netherlands boasts specialised medium-sized businesses and large industrial companies in the wood and plastics processing, mechanical engineering, automotive manufacturing and shipbuilding sectors, as well as the energy industry. The district uses renewable energy sources such as wind power, solar energy and biomass to generate more than 100% of its electricity needs. Tourism is also becoming increasingly important in this ‘cycling holiday region’.