Operation of Chinese battery plant in Debrecen suspended over serious environmental concerns

On 24 June, the Hajdú-Bihar County Government Office issued a formal decision to immediately suspend operations at the Semcorp battery manufacturing plant in Debrecen. This move followed extensive investigations into environmental violations linked to the facility, which produces separator films essential for battery production. The suspension came after the county authorities determined that the plant's activities deviated significantly from the conditions outlined in its Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) license, posing a significant threat to the surrounding environment.

The decision highlights that during an on-site inspection on 26 February, officials observed an unknown, steam-like substance with a sharp odor seeping into the ground near the plant. Semcorp representatives claimed the substance was merely condensation water, free of harmful elements. However, subsequent sampling conducted between 19 and 20 March led to analyses by an accredited laboratory. Results received by the authorities on 14 May revealed alarming levels of contamination in the groundwater around the site.

Aluminum, a primary component in the production of separator films, was found at a concentration of 2,676,000 micrograms per liter, far exceeding the legally allowed limit of 200 micrograms per liter by more than 13,000 times. Other heavy metals such as arsenic, zinc, lead, cobalt, cadmium, nickel, barium, chromium, copper, manganese, and lithium were also detected at levels significantly above regulatory thresholds. The authorities emphasized that these contaminants could not be attributed to natural sources, as confirmed by a 2021 baseline survey of the area.

The decision to halt operations was based on the potential risk of further environmental degradation while legal proceedings were ongoing. It noted that continuing operations might exacerbate the existing pollution problem, prioritizing environmental protection over delaying enforcement actions. The county government underscored that the urgency of preventing additional harm justified the immediate suspension.

The Semcorp plant, located in Debrecen's Southern Economic Zone, was established with substantial support from the Hungarian government. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced in late 2021 that the Chinese firm would construct a separator film factory valued at 65 billion forints, part of a broader investment plan that included a battery factory, a cathode factory, and several automotive industry suppliers. The Hungarian government contributed 13 billion forints (approximately 37 million euros) to the project in exchange for the promise of creating 440 new jobs. Trial production began in the summer of 2025 with over 440 employees.

Local political figures have expressed strong reactions to the environmental issues raised by the Semcorp plant. Debrecen's Fidesz mayor, László Papp, preemptively criticized the situation, stating he would consider shutting down the plant and filing a formal complaint against it. This stance contrasts with earlier support for the Chinese investment, particularly from local politicians who had actively promoted similar projects. For instance, Lajos Barcsa, the deputy mayor responsible for economic affairs, was known locally as "Akkumanként" due to his active promotion of accumulator-related investments. However, recent revelations about environmental issues at another nearby facility, the Samsung plant in Gódi, have shifted public perception and reduced emphasis on such endorsements.

Environmental organizations and community groups have also played a role in highlighting the risks associated with the Semcorp plant. Joint testing efforts by Greenpeace and the Mikepércs Mothers for the Environment in March uncovered traces of solvents and other industrial chemicals in a nearby stream. These findings, combined with the official reports of severe contamination, have intensified scrutiny of the plant's operations and the adequacy of regulatory oversight.

The situation raises questions about the long-term implications for both the local environment and the broader economic strategy involving foreign investments in Hungary. While the immediate focus remains on addressing the environmental damage caused by the Semcorp plant, the incident underscores the need for stricter compliance with environmental regulations and more transparent monitoring processes for industrial facilities. As legal proceedings continue, the outcome will determine whether the plant can resume operations under revised conditions or face permanent closure.