Battery factories being built in Hungary, even without environmental permits (2)

4 November, 12:08

The investment in the CATL battery plant in Debrecen is on schedule and complies with the conditions set out in the permits in force. The buildings of the first phase of the factory are structurally complete, while the company is continuously recruiting its future employees, with the number of current employees reaching 400, Népszava reported. However, according to the paper,

the permitting procedures and litigation surrounding CATL's investment are still ongoing.

The company's construction work does not yet have the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) permit, according to the newspaper. Several individuals and civil associations have challenged the environmental permit, but it has not stopped the construction.

Meanwhile, another Chinese company, EVE Power, which is building near the BMW plant in Debrecen's north-western industrial zone, has also applied for an environmental permit.

The plant covers the administrative area of Debrecen and, to a lesser extent, Hajdúböszörmény. If this authorisation were to be challenged in court, the plaintiff would also have to prove that it has the right to act as a party concerned.

Based on the decision of the Hajdú-Bihar County Government Office, no public hearing will be held in person on the EVE Power case, only written questions can be submitted online. During the procedure, the relevant information and documents will be published online.

According to a statement by EVE Power, the HUF 400 billion investment will involve the hiring of more than 1,000 Hungarian workers. The plant is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and production could start in 2026, following a similar schedule as the CATL plant.

UPDATE 1 (4 November 6.14 pm):

A statement refuting the allegations in the article was sent to our editorial office on Monday evening by CATL's communications agency, which said the article "contains untrue allegations".

It also said:

It wrongly claims that CATL's Hungarian subsidiary does not have a valid Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control permit.

"The company was granted an IPPC permit by the Hajdú-Bihar County Government Office in February 2023. The permit, which has been amended several times in the meantime, is now final and enforceable. Consequently, the claim that CATL Debrecen would recruit and build without an IPPC permit is completely untrue.

"CATL Debrecen's investment is progressing according to plan, in full compliance with the conditions set out in the company's current permits. The company is continuing to recruit local staff as promised. CATL Debrecen will inform the press about further details of the investment in the second half of November."

UPDATE 2 (5 November, 12:34 pm):

István Joó, CEO of the HIPA National Investment Agency and Government Commissioner for Investment Promotion and the Implementation of Priority Large Investments in Hungary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, also reacted to the above in a Facebook post on Tuesday morning.

He stressed the following facts to clear up misinformation in the press:

• "CATL has site preparation, deep foundation, construction and Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control permits".
• "Samsung SDI's Göd factory was allowed to and did operate at reduced capacity in accordance with the law during the proceedings for immediate legal protection".
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• "EVE Power's investment is progressing as planned with foundation and piling permits in hand, and the company has recently submitted an application for an Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control permit".

Cover image (for illustration purposes only): Portfolio