{"id":10328,"date":"2023-03-01T16:55:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-01T15:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/?page_id=10328"},"modified":"2025-05-15T15:53:50","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T13:53:50","slug":"environmentally-speaking-what-is-wrong-with-battery-factories-appearing-in-hungary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/environmentally-speaking-what-is-wrong-with-battery-factories-appearing-in-hungary\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the environmental concerns associated with battery factories in Hungary?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style>\n.page-id-10328 .page-header-title{max-width:100%!important;}<\/style>\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong><em>Greenpeace Hungary<\/em><\/strong> | 01. March 2023, updated on 15. May 2025 <\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-grey-500-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-grey-500-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n<p><strong>More and more local protests are breaking out across Hungary following the opening of battery factories, many of which are classified by the government as investments of national economic importance. This designation allows investors to benefit from streamlined licensing processes and shortened environmental assessments, which effectively prevent a thorough risk analysis and limit the involvement of local residents. These factories have extremely high energy and water demands, and those currently operating in Hungary use large quantities of hazardous materials. Authorities are unable to prevent or control pollution from these battery plants, avert potentially fatal workplace accidents, or even enforce already inadequate regulations. As a result, they are incapable of ensuring a safe environment for the thousands of citizens living in affected areas. Meanwhile, civil society concerns are dismissed by authorities and decision-makers \u2013 sometimes even withholding public data that is legally required to be accessible to residents and NGOs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large  caption-alignment-left\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/static\/planet4-hungary-stateless\/2024\/07\/59facaa9-gphu_komarom_240725-1024x683.jpg\" title=\"Stop Akkuszennyez\u00e9s - Greenpeace\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/static\/planet4-hungary-stateless\/2024\/07\/59facaa9-gphu_komarom_240725-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/static\/planet4-hungary-stateless\/2024\/07\/59facaa9-gphu_komarom_240725-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/static\/planet4-hungary-stateless\/2024\/07\/59facaa9-gphu_komarom_240725-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/static\/planet4-hungary-stateless\/2024\/07\/59facaa9-gphu_komarom_240725-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/static\/planet4-hungary-stateless\/2024\/07\/59facaa9-gphu_komarom_240725-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/static\/planet4-hungary-stateless\/2024\/07\/59facaa9-gphu_komarom_240725.jpg 1999w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption><div class=\"credit icon-left\"> \u00a9 D\u00f6rg\u0151 Zsuzsi\/ Greenpeace<\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p><em><em>Currently, the largest developments in Hungary are expected in the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, as well as in battery manufacturing for grid-energy storage \u2013&nbsp; the position of Greenpeace Hungary specifically addresses these sectors.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n<p>An increasing number of Hungarian towns and cities are being targeted as potential sites for battery factories serving the electric-vehicle industry. The electric-car sector has seen a rapid surge in recent years, further driven by the European Union\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/24.hu\/tech\/2022\/10\/28\/europai-unio-parlament-dontes-belsoegesu-motor-auto-elektromos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">current plan<\/a> to phase out the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles \u2013 petrol and diesel \u2013 by 2035, although this regulation is currently <a href=\"https:\/\/telex.hu\/gazdasag\/2025\/03\/04\/europai-unios-ursula-von-der-leyen-autoipar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">under review<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/a-greenpeace-9-pontos-javaslatcsomagja-a-kozlekedes-atalakitasahoz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">According to Greenpeace<\/a>, in order to stay within the climate targets set by the Paris Agreement, Europe should stop the sale of petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles by 2028.<\/p>\n\n<p>At the same time, it is essential that decisions regarding infrastructure development genuinely support a transition to sustainable electric transportation. Achieving this requires a reduction in the overall number of cars on the roads.<strong> Simply replacing the approximately 1.5 billion internal combustion engine vehicles currently in use around the world with 1.5 billion electric cars is not a viable solution \u2013 especially considering that a growing number of electric vehicles will undoubtedly demand a growing number of batteries.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>This is the opportunity the government seized when the Hungarian Prime Minister <a href=\"https:\/\/2015-2022.miniszterelnok.hu\/orban-viktor-eloadasa-a-xxxi-balvanyosi-nyari-szabadegyetem-es-diaktaborban\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">announced<\/a> in 2022 that Hungary would become the third-largest battery producer in the world. Since then, new investments related to this sector have been announced one after the other. However, similar to many other large domestic investments, decision-makers have largely ignored the interests of environmental and nature protection, as well as the needs of local residents in these projects. As a result, the construction and operation of the massive factories often take place in a way that sustainability considerations are almost entirely disregarded. In such large-scale projects, <strong>it should be kept in mind that Hungary\u2019s resources are finite. These factories require enormous amounts of water, consume vast amounts of energy for their operation, and the infrastructure development associated with them also causes significant environmental strain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>Furthermore, there is a huge democratic deficit in the process by which the government is supporting the domestic installation of battery factories. The needs, interests and concerns of local residents were <a href=\"https:\/\/444.hu\/2020\/04\/23\/miutan-a-kormany-elvette-a-godi-onkormanyzattol-a-samsung-gyar-teruletet-milliardokat-ont-a-teruletre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">not sufficiently considered<\/a>, even during the expansion of the Samsung factory in G\u00f6d. In 2020, the government created a special economic zone, taking away land from G\u00f6d and ordering large-scale infrastructural developments to prepare for the expansion of the operation from South Korea. Similarly, the SK Innovation battery factory in Iv\u00e1ncsa was placed in a similar special economic zone, which also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.feol.hu\/helyi-kozelet\/2021\/12\/az-egykori-megallapodas-nem-ervenyes-racalmas-es-ivancsa-polgarmestere-reagalt-a-hirre-miszerint-dunaujvaros-bepereli-oket\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">negatively affects<\/a> the nearby town of Duna\u00fajv\u00e1ros. Due to government actions, the affected municipalities have been deprived of the right to have a say in these changes, and while they bear all the negative impacts of these factories, the towns do not benefit from the industrial tax revenues enjoyed by the companies concerned.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The regulatory system is unable to control the battery industry<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>The domestic regulatory system is not only unable to prevent pollution, accidents, or monitor emissions, but in many cases, it seems to work towards covering up pollution. It appears that the system\u2019s goal is to protect the polluters from residents and environmental groups. However, according to the law, its duty should be to protect the environment and human health from pollution. Due to the lack of uniform EU regulations, many factories have operated or continue to operate without an environmental permit. Moreover, environmental organizations claim that the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/sajtokozlemeny\/11198\/szabalytalanul-magas-nmp-kibocsatast-engedelyez-a-hatosag-a-komaromi-akkumulatorgyarnak\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">authorities have also manipulated<\/a> the emission values.<\/p>\n\n<p>In a normal world, environmental authorities would be the most important allies of green organizations, fighting together for the same cause. However, in Hungary, authorities under political control strangely view the environmentalists and local residents concerned about their surroundings as enemies. Greenpeace and its partners often find that the reported pollution cases are not adequately investigated by the authorities (the relevant government offices, water management authorities and disaster management).<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To this day, <a href=\"https:\/\/atlatszo.hu\/kozugy\/2022\/05\/26\/nem-derult-ki-hogyan-kerult-mergezo-oldoszer-a-kutvizbe-lakossagi-forum-godon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">there has been no answer<\/a> as to how NMP (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone), classified as a potential teratogen, ended up in the wells of G\u00f6d in 2022.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is also no response from the authorities regarding how <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/sajtokozlemeny\/11078\/a-greenpeace-a-godi-kommunalis-szennyvizben-talalt-akkumulatorgyartashoz-hasznalt-magzatkarosito-oldoszert\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NMP ended up in the agricultural soil<\/a> after city sewage spilled onto farmland in G\u00f6d in February 2024, near the Samsung SDI plant. Greenpeace measured the NMP at a concentration of 200 micrograms per litre.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has not been clarified why more than <a href=\"https:\/\/atlatszo.hu\/orszagszerte\/2024\/02\/20\/godi-akkugyar-88-tonnanyi-magzatkarosito-oldoszer-a-levegoben-nehezfemek-a-dolgozok-szervezeteben\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">80 tons of NMP were released<\/a> from the G\u00f6d battery factory over the course of a single year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Between 2020 and 2022, the operation of the G\u00f6d battery factory\u2019s black dust-emitting sections <a href=\"https:\/\/atlatszo.hu\/orszagszerte\/2025\/03\/04\/tobbszor-megtiltottak-a-mukodest-a-godi-akkugyar-fekete-port-kibocsato-reszlegeiben\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">was repeatedly halted<\/a>. Due to operating without a permit, authorities imposed disaster-management fines 13 times. Even though each time they warned that they could order a complete suspension of operations, this never occurred.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"keretes\">\n<h2>Who are the authorities protecting?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>More than a year after the lawsuit was filed, the first hearing took place in the case initiated by the G\u00f6d-\u00c9RT (For G\u00f6d\u2019) Association regarding the environmental-use permit of the G\u00f6d battery factory. The lawsuit was filed because the G\u00f6d factory operates with noise pollution, and the environmental permit issued for the plant in 2023 does not limit excessive noise emissions. In early 2025, the G\u00f6d-\u00c9RT Association reported that the government office had unlawfully failed to submit to the court the decision to modify the permit, which was made at Samsung&#8217;s request, so the court could not adequately examine any deficiencies in the permit.\n<\/li>\n\n<li>Greenpeace did not receive a response to its open letter written together with the G\u00f6d-\u00c9RT Association, which questioned how the Samsung battery factory in G\u00f6d could operate for months without a valid environmental permit. The Pest County Government Office issued a statement regarding the G\u00f6d Samsung SDI factory&#8217;s environmental permit, stating: &#8222;Contrary to false claims published in the press, the court&#8217;s decision does not mean that the factory&#8217;s entire operation must be suspended, but that the company must limit those activities that require a unified environmental permit\u201d. However, Pest County never clarified how they intended to enforce the court&#8217;s decision and ensure the application of domestic law. In fact, according to Greenpeace and legal experts, their statement misinterprets the relevant regulations in several respects. Green organizations and legal experts argue that, under the ruling, Samsung SDI should have stopped the heat production used for manufacturing and shut down production lines, but the factory did not stop, and the authorities did not even attempt to visibly enforce the court\u2019s decisions.\n<\/li>\n\n\n<li>So far, there has been no result from the Greenpeace announcement and investigation in March 2024, when significant amounts of carcinogenic vinyl chloride and dichloromethane were found in the red substance flowing into the Salg\u00f3 stream from the Salg\u00f3tarj\u00e1n site of \u00c9ltex Kft., which also stores battery waste. Although the Capital City Disaster Management Directorate and the government office conducted on-site inspections and sampling, they found no contamination. The final decision on the investigation has not yet been issued. Greenpeace&#8217;s information requests regarding the investigation into the pollution have not been answered, even though Greenpeace also requested client status.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Companies often factor in fines in advance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>Companies often <a href=\"https:\/\/hvg.hu\/360\/20230831_komarom_ivancsa_sk_akkumulatorgyar_balesetek_mergezesek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">practically calculate<\/a> fines in advance. The Samsung plant in G\u00f6d <a href=\"https:\/\/telex.hu\/belfold\/2024\/02\/20\/god-samsung-nyereseg-eletveszely-birsag\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">was fined<\/a> as early as March 2018 for not complying with fire and industrial-safety regulations, followed by a series of similar fines in the following months. All of these fines were obtained through a public information request by Zsuzsa Bodn\u00e1r, the head of the G\u00f6d-\u00c9RT Association and a journalist at Hungarian NGO \u00c1tl\u00e1tsz\u00f3. According to documents <a href=\"https:\/\/atlatszo.hu\/kozadat\/2022\/12\/13\/feketen-feheren-leirta-a-hatosag-hogy-veszelybe-kerult-a-godi-samsung-gyar-tobb-mint-1000-dolgozoja\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">released last year<\/a>, the company was fined 6 times for industrial safety reasons and 11 for fire safety reasons since 2018.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lack of EU regulation on emissions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>Currently, there is no unified EU regulation on battery manufacturing. The <a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/legal-content\/HU\/TXT\/HTML\/?uri=CELEX:32010L0075\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Industrial Emissions Directive<\/a> (IED) did not cover battery manufacturing until the summer of 2024. In response to continuous civil and public protests, Hungary took the initiative and <a href=\"https:\/\/telex.hu\/gazdasag\/2024\/08\/29\/a-jovoben-kotelezo-kornyezeti-hatasvizsgalatot-lefolytatni-az-akkumulatorgyaraknal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">announced <\/a>in the summer of 2024 that, under the amendment of the government decree on environmental impact assessments and unified environmental permitting procedures, the production of all battery types and their components (cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator film), as well as the pretreatment and recycling of their waste, will be considered an activity requiring an environmental-impact assessment.<\/p>\n\n<p>After the change in EU legislation, battery manufacturing will be included in the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) for production capacities exceeding 15 tons of battery cells. The directive must be transposed into national law within two years (by July 1, 2026), but the adoption of the Best Available Techniques (BAT) reference document (BREF) related to the IED may take up to four years. This document will contain the specific applicable technologies and acceptable environmental emissions for battery factories. Until a unified EU BREF\/BAT is in place, it will depend on the Hungarian authorities to decide the contents of the permit within the relatively general EU framework.<\/p>\n\n<p>After <a href=\"https:\/\/atlatszo.hu\/orszagszerte\/2024\/02\/20\/godi-akkugyar-88-tonnanyi-magzatkarosito-oldoszer-a-levegoben-nehezfemek-a-dolgozok-szervezeteben\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">it was revealed<\/a> that 81 tons of NMP solvent could have been released into the air from the Samsung SDI plant in G\u00f6d in 2021 (which is 75 times the 2024 emission limit), Hungary set <a href=\"https:\/\/alternativenergia.hu\/raisz-aniko-szigorubb-karosanyag-kibocsatasi-hatarertekeket-vezet-be-a-kormany\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">stricter emission limits<\/a> for NMP and NMC (nickel, manganese and cobalt compounds \u2013 the cathode material). According to this:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New investors must comply immediately;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For existing plants in Hungary, the deadline is January 2028;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For investors whose permit application is already in process, the deadline is 2027;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The emission limit for manganese has been reduced to one-fifth, while the limit for nickel and cobalt has been reduced by half.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>The NMP limit has been set at one milligram per cubic metre. Previously, the emission limit was 2 mg\/cubic metre, or 150 mg\/cubic metre, depending on the interpretation of existing regulations.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Battery factory construction in exchange for valuable land<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>The planned construction of a battery factory a few kilometres from Debrecen has sparked heated debate among locals, as valuable agricultural land is being turned over to industry for the investment, involving approximately <a href=\"https:\/\/debreciner.hu\/cikk\/12374_5_fontos_tudnivalo_a_debrecenbe_catl_debreciner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">220 hectares<\/a>. Moreover, local residents were only informed about the plans after they had been finalized, and their opinions were only sought after the state had already agreed on the project with the CATL company carrying out the investment.<\/p>\n\n<p>The lands around Debrecen belong to the Hajd\u00fas\u00e1gi loess ridge and are some of the highest quality arable lands in the country. Now, when ensuring local food sources for the population has become one of the most important tasks across Europe, it is concerning to sacrifice these areas for an industrial investment that could be carried out elsewhere. One of Hungary\u2019s greatest natural assets is its incredibly fertile soil. Its careful preservation could ensure food supply for the entire population of the country, and even allow for exports of the surplus. Instead, an increasing portion of our arable land is being sacrificed for industrial use.<\/p>\n\n<p>In addition to the loss of farmland, local residents are concerned that the increased traffic related to the factory could disturb their peace and safety. The hundreds of trucks serving the factory every day will also degrade air quality.<\/p>\n\n<p>Locals have every right to be outraged. We should not be turning a blind eye to a large investment that damages the quality of life for residents, and endangers natural and environmental values. For every major construction project, including battery factories, only brownfield investments \u2013 which mainly occur on abandoned or contaminated sites previously used for industrial, commercial or defence purposes \u2013 should be permitted. However, it seems that the government repeatedly ignores this consideration when it comes to the approval of battery factories. As well as Debrecen, the <a href=\"https:\/\/autopro.hu\/gazdasag\/magyarorszag-legnagyobb-beruhazasat-valositja-meg-az-sk-innovation-ivancsan\/462645\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Iv\u00e1ncsa plant <\/a>was also built on greenfield land, and since the construction of the Samsung battery factory in G\u00f6d, the town has suffered from increased traffic, noise and occasional unpleasant odours around the factory area.<\/p>\n\n<p>All of this is possible because bad practice has become widespread in Hungary: the government, citing an investment of national importance, simplifies the approval requirements with a stroke of a pen, effectively disregarding the needs and interests of residents and environmental considerations.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Huge water-intensive investment in drought-stricken Hungary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>The significant water consumption of battery factories, either planned or currently operating, is particularly concerning in Hungary, which is increasingly affected by severe and dramatic drought. If the government and decision-makers do not allocate a significant portion of state and public funds to address these problems immediately, by 2070 two-thirds of the country will turn into a dry steppe, where not only will we be unable to produce food for ourselves, but the land will only be usable for a limited amount of grazing.<\/p>\n\n<p>To avoid this catastrophe, every drop of water within the country should be managed with careful and forward-thinking decision-making, and the resources available should be focused on retaining any water that enters Hungary. Due to the drying process, the water in deeper soil layers should be treated as an emergency reserve for the future drinking needs of the population, rather than being endangered by investments promising short-term, ill-conceived solutions.<\/p>\n\n<p>In the case oft the battery factory being built in Debrecen, the water consumption of the industrial park hosting it, according to an expert preparatory study, could reach up to <a href=\"https:\/\/444.hu\/2023\/02\/03\/egy-tanulmanybol-kiderult-mennyi-vizet-fogyasztana-a-debreceni-akkugyar-gyorsan-el-is-tuntettek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">60,000 cubic metres per day<\/a>. This number alone is larger than the total water consumption of the city. The environmental impact study claims that this is not a problem, but the fact remains that the city and its surroundings have been suffering from increasingly severe drought for years, so increased water extraction could cause surface dryness, which should be examined in the impact study. Debrecen does not have a significant river to solve its water supply issues. A significant portion of the water used by the factory could also be lost as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vg.hu\/vilaggazdasag-magyar-gazdasag\/2023\/01\/brutalis-szamok-derultek-ki-a-debrecenben-epulo-kinai-akkumulator-gyarrol-de-nem-kell-megijedni\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">evaporation<\/a> into the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n<p>Therefore, decision-makers should focus on preserving the country\u2019s water resources, instead, during the climate and ecological crisis, water-intensive investments are being carried out. For such a water-intensive investment, a basic requirement would be to consider the long-term effects of the climate crisis on water management before selecting the location for the factory. Dalma Ded\u00e1k, an expert from WWF, further <a href=\"https:\/\/wwf.hvgblog.hu\/2023\/02\/14\/szalamiba-csomagolt-akkumulatorgyarak\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">elaborates<\/a> on the concerns regarding the water usage of battery factories in her article.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>High energy consumption of factories in the midst of the energy crisis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>As battery manufacturing is an energy-intensive activity, it is important to examine whether Hungary can supply the necessary energy. According to government announcements, the manufacturing capacity could increase nearly tenfold, with the annual battery production capacity potentially reaching 250 GWh by 2030. The total annual energy demand for such a battery manufacturing capacity could reach 15-16 TWh, which is comparable to the production of the Paks nuclear power plant. The expected division of thermal and electrical energy demand is not known, but the thermal energy is likely to be generated from natural gas.<\/p>\n\n<p>This enormous energy demand has not been accounted for in the relevant strategic energy documents. It is therefore unclear how the Hungarian government would solve the supply for the factories, and it is also unknown how much the factories&#8217; operations would increase the country\u2019s CO2 emissions.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"keretes\">\n<p>CATL plans to build a 100 GWh annual capacity battery factory in Debrecen, if all planned phases are carried out. Since the specific energy demand for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries (per kWh of battery capacity) <a href=\"https:\/\/iopscience.iop.org\/article\/10.1088\/2515-7620\/ab5e1e\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">can range<\/a> from 50 to 65 kWh, the factory\u2019s future annual energy demand can be estimated to be 5-6 TWh. This amount corresponds to about one and a half Paks nuclear blocks, which is about 10-13% of Hungary\u2019s current electricity consumption. According to the environmental impact study, the energy demand will be split between electrical energy and thermal energy generated from natural gas, though the exact proportion is not yet known.\n<\/p>\n\n<p>The national plans are not fully known, as the relevant industry strategy, <a href=\"https:\/\/kormany.hu\/dokumentumtar\/nemzeti-akkumulator-iparagi-strategia-2030\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">the National Battery Industry Strategy 2030<\/a>, dated September 2022 and prepared by the Ministry of Technology and Industry, does not provide accurate numbers for the current situation, and it even omits CATL&#8217;s planned investment in Debrecen. Overall, according to the government (specifically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade), battery manufacturing capacity is expected to grow to <a href=\"https:\/\/magyarnemzet.hu\/gazdasag\/2022\/12\/lepeselonyhoz-jutott-magyarorszag\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">250 GWh<\/a> by 2030, while an <a href=\"https:\/\/source.benchmarkminerals.com\/article\/hungary-set-to-be-europes-leading-tier-1-battery-producer-this-decade\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">analysis estimates<\/a> 207 GWh by 2031, seven times the 27.5 GWh capacity of 2021.<\/p>\n\n<p>Although large-scale domestic battery industry investments seem to have stalled for the moment, in the light of the 250 GWh announcement, the total energy demand for such a battery manufacturing capacity could reach 15-16 TWh. By comparison, this amount of energy would correspond to about 40% of Hungary\u2019s current gross electricity production (approximately 35 TWh). However, this huge increase in energy demand is not anticipated in any of the relevant strategic documents (National Energy Strategy 2030; Medium and Long-Term Capacity Development of the Hungarian Electricity System 2019; Hungarian Electricity System Network Development Plan 2022; National Battery Industry Strategy 2030).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Based on the above, it appears that plans for the construction of battery factories have not been preceded by careful planning from an energy policy perspective, nor from the perspective of the needs of the electricity system. The industry strategy\u2019s idea of meeting the factories&#8217; electricity demand solely through solar panels seems more like a forced brainstorming idea, especially when solar energy developments have been effectively halted in the commercial power plant, household and industrial sectors through various measures.<\/p>\n\n<p>Amid the climate and energy crisis affecting Europe, a great deal of consideration and solid groundwork are needed, especially for plans related to the development of such an energy-intensive industry. Due to the lack of realistic plans, there is a concern that if the large-scale battery factory investment plans are realized, they will result in significantly higher energy demand, increased energy dependence and an increase in climate-damaging emissions either domestically or abroad.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hazardous and toxic substances around actories<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>In the case of battery factories, it is not only during the planning and construction phases that environmental and nature protection risks need to be considered. The production of batteries involves the use of many hazardous and toxic chemicals, which, when released into the environment, can harm wildlife and human health. This danger persists throughout the operating life of the factory. One such substance is <a href=\"https:\/\/echa.europa.eu\/hu\/substance-information\/-\/substanceinfo\/100.011.662\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">NMP<\/a>, which is potentially <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdph.ca.gov\/Programs\/CCDPHP\/DEODC\/OHB\/HESIS\/CDPH%20Document%20Library\/nmp.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">harmful to foetuses <\/a>and, as a reproductive toxin, is regulated under EU law, meaning it can only be used under strict conditions. This substance <a href=\"https:\/\/atlatszo.hu\/kornyezet\/2022\/05\/02\/akkumulatorgyartashoz-is-hasznalt-mergezo-oldoszert-talaltak-a-godi-kutak-vizeben\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">was found<\/a> in the groundwater near the Samsung factory in G\u00f6d in tests funded by civil organizations.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"keretes\">\n<p>In 2022, the \u00c1tl\u00e1tsz\u00f3 organization <a href=\"https:\/\/atlatszo.hu\/kornyezet\/2023\/01\/12\/pert-nyertunk-es-kiderult-betemettek-a-kutat-ami-megmutatna-mergezi-e-a-talajvizet-a-godi-akkumulatorgyar\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">filed a lawsuit<\/a> for the water monitoring data of the G\u00f6d battery factory, which the company wanted to keep secret for ten years. As a result, they received the requested documents. The findings showed that water samples had not been taken from the monitoring well on the factory site since 2016, and the well itself was buried in 2018. This is the fault of Hungarian authorities, as they do not monitor the presence of hazardous substances used in battery production in groundwater. Meanwhile, independent tests on wells near the factory detected NMP, which is used in battery manufacturing at the G\u00f6d facility.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Also among the hazardous substances used in battery production are lithium compounds, which are harmful to both human health and the environment. One commonly used compound, <a href=\"https:\/\/echa.europa.eu\/hu\/substance-information\/-\/substanceinfo\/100.040.289\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">lithium hexafluorophosphate<\/a>, is toxic and causes burns when it comes into contact with the skin and eyes. Long-term exposure to this compound can damage organs. Several organic solvents used in lithium-ion battery electrolytes, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/echa.europa.eu\/hu\/substance-information\/-\/substanceinfo\/100.002.283\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">ethylene carbonate<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/echa.europa.eu\/hu\/substance-information\/-\/substanceinfo\/100.009.527\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">dimethyl carbonate<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/echa.europa.eu\/hu\/substance-information\/-\/substanceinfo\/100.003.248\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">propylene carbonate<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/echa.europa.eu\/hu\/substance-information\/-\/substanceinfo\/100.003.451\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">1,2-dimethoxyethane<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/echa.europa.eu\/hu\/substance-information\/-\/substanceinfo\/100.002.282\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">butyrolactone<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/echa.europa.eu\/hu\/substance-information\/-\/substanceinfo\/100.003.389\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">tetrahydrofuran<\/a>, can also be harmful to human health. Tetrahydrofuran, for example, is classified by the EU as extremely flammable, causes severe eye irritation, is possibly carcinogenic and its vapors can cause respiratory irritation.<\/p>\n\n<p>The question then arises as to the guarantees the factory being built in Debrecen would comply with all industrial safety regulations. It is of utmost importance&nbsp; that factories strictly adhere to the rules and regulations to avoid emissions exceeding permitted&nbsp; levels. Another risk is the transportation of these substances in large quantities on public roads, as hazardous materials could be released into the environment in the event of any accident.<\/p>\n\n<p>It is the responsibility of the regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with these regulations at the factory. If, for any reason, emissions exceeding the limit are released into the environment, the authorities, in collaboration with the factory, must investigate the issue as quickly as possible, fully informing the public, involving local residents and civil organizations and, if necessary, begin the process of remediation.<\/p>\n\n<p>However, the experience of recent times has shown that the Hungarian authorities are unable to prevent pollution incidents or take proper action to remediate existing contamination (e.g.the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/sajtokozlemeny\/7656\/orokre-ott-maradnak-a-rakkelto-szennyezok-az-illatos-uton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Illatos \u00dat contamination<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/sajtokozlemeny\/2753\/mergek-csorognak-a-dunaba-az-obudai-gazgyarnal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00d3buda Gasworks<\/a>, etc), nor to effectively prevent industrial accidents (e.g, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/sajtokozlemeny\/3443\/kolontar-tortenelmi-az-itelet-a-vorosiszapperben-de-kialto-a-megfelelo-szabalyozas-hianya\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kolont\u00e1r disaster<\/a>). In the case of the Samsung factory in G\u00f6d, the presence of NMP was not investigated, and even after measurements commissioned by civil organizations, the cause of the NMP contamination was not clarified. Furthermore, disaster and fire safety regulations <a href=\"https:\/\/merce.hu\/2023\/02\/12\/a-lakossag-tiltakozasa-ellenere-kiadta-a-godi-samsung-ujabb-engedelyet-a-katasztrofavedelem\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">were not enforced<\/a> in the battery factory for years.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Occupational safety and chemical risks of battery waste management<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>One of the major environmental risks of battery manufacturing is the handling of batteries that become waste and the large quantity of defective batteries generated during production. In the early stages of a new factory, the rate of defective batteries can be as high as 40 percent, and these are typically stored and processed near their point of origin, in this case, Hungary. However, currently, the recycling of defective and waste batteries does not take place in Hungary. In factories like those in B\u00e1tonyterenye or Szigetszentmikl\u00f3s, these batteries are only pre-processed for further use. In practical terms, this means that after discharge, defective or used batteries are shredded in a shredder containing recoverable metals. The result of this is a valuable metal-containing \u2018black mass\u2019, which is currently recycled in Asia. <strong>The <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/24.hu\/fn\/gazdasag\/2024\/04\/04\/akkumulatorfeldolgozas-hulladek-soskut-andrada-group-szijjarto-peter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>recycling process in Hungary<\/strong><\/a><strong>, which includes discharging and shredding, is particularly fire- and explosion-prone, environmentally polluting and poses occupational safety risks. This is evidenced by numerous accidents and incidents of pollution involving both plants.<\/strong> The risk of processing battery waste is increased by the fact that the composition of the electrolyte is variable and often unknown. The nickel and cobalt compounds in batteries are toxic and carcinogenic, lithium compounds are particularly hazardous, and the components of electrolyte are consistently toxic and fire-prone.<\/p>\n\n<p>The materials released during recycling may include per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), which are widely used in many industries, including in waterproof textiles, food packaging, containers, paints, and as flame retardants or electrolyte additives in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41467-024-49753-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">lithium-ion<\/a> batteries. In the event of fire, the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) used in battery factories generates several toxic fluorine-containing combustion products (used as a binder by companies like Semcorp, Samsung, SK, CATL, and Bamo). Due to the high stability of PFAS chemicals, they <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/hu\/help\/gyakran-ismetelt-kerdesek-gyik\/mik-azok-a-pfas-ok\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">accumulate<\/a> over time in the human body and in the environment, which is why they are often referred to as \u2018forever chemicals\u2019. In 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) <a href=\"https:\/\/echa.europa.eu\/sv\/-\/echa-publishes-pfas-restriction-proposal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">proposed<\/a> restrictions on more than 10,000 of these compounds, and this process is <a href=\"https:\/\/echa.europa.eu\/hu\/-\/next-steps-for-pfas-restriction-proposal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">currently ongoing<\/a> in various sectors.<\/p>\n\n<p>From <a href=\"https:\/\/telex.hu\/belfold\/2023\/09\/06\/alsozsolca-akkumulator-ujrafeldolgozo-uzem-lakossagi-forum-szilagyi-laszlo-andrada-ceg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Als\u00f3zsolca<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/444.hu\/kepek\/2024\/02\/27\/fenymenettel-tiltakoztak-a-soskuti-akkufeldolgozo-ellen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">S\u00f3sk\u00fat<\/a>, local residents have been protesting against battery waste recycling plants planned for their towns. These concerns are not unfounded, as the operation permit for a similar plant in B\u00e1tonyterenye <a href=\"https:\/\/atlatszo.hu\/orszagszerte\/2023\/08\/23\/felfuggesztette-a-batonyterenyei-akkumulator-feldolgozo-mukodeset-a-kormanyhivatal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">was suspended<\/a> in August 2023. The South Korean-owned SungEel Hitech Hungary Kft. plant was unable to comply with regulations related to operations and waste management, and locals regularly experienced unpleasant odours. The B\u00e1tonyterenye plant <a href=\"https:\/\/atlatszo.hu\/orszagszerte\/2024\/06\/19\/a-kormanyhivatal-engedelyevel-ujraindulhat-a-batonyterenyei-akkufeldolgozo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">was reopened<\/a> in the summer of 2024. This company\u2019s Szigetszentmikl\u00f3s plant <a href=\"https:\/\/444.hu\/2023\/03\/07\/a-godi-samsung-gyar-selejtes-akkumulatorait-feldolgozo-ceg-rakkelto-anyagokkal-veszelyeztette-a-dolgozoit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">has also received<\/a> several fines for seriously endangering workers, including a <a href=\"https:\/\/index.hu\/belfold\/2023\/07\/29\/halalos-baleset-szigetszentmiklos-akkumulator-feldolgozo-uzem-robbanas\/?token=02d4b3f5fc0ff79a988b7e97b6b58f10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">fatal accident<\/a>. The cases of <a href=\"https:\/\/hvg.hu\/gazdasag\/20230816_veszelyes_hulladek_ikladi_telep_raktar_akkumulatorgyartas_atlatszo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Iklad <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/hvg.hu\/gazdasag\/20230808_Selejtes_akkucellakkal_teli_hordokat_talaltak_egy_tuzvedelem_nelkuli_raktarban_Abasaron\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Abas\u00e1r<\/a> unfortunately show that non-compliance with regulations can <a href=\"https:\/\/hvg.hu\/itthon\/20230828_akkumulatorgyarak_veszelyes_hulladek_illegalis_telepek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">cause harm to towns<\/a> where no waste disposal or recycling plants were authorized.<\/p>\n\n<p>However, the B\u00e1tonyterenye and Szigetszentmikl\u00f3s plants are not capable of handling all the defective battery waste generated in Hungary. This is why news reports have emerged about battery waste storage sites popping up across the country, such as at the <a href=\"https:\/\/atlatszo.hu\/kornyezet\/2024\/05\/08\/fotok-tanusitjak-hogy-akkumulator-hulladekot-tarolnak-a-salgotarjani-eltex-telepen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">\u00c9ltex Kft site<\/a> in Salg\u00f3tarj\u00e1n, where Greenpeace <a href=\"https:\/\/magyarnarancs.hu\/belpol\/tiborcz-istvan-kore-tunhet-fel-a-salgotarjani-szennyezest-okozo-ceg-mogott-267221\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">has also conducted investigations<\/a>. Additionally, beyond the <a href=\"https:\/\/telex.hu\/belfold\/2025\/03\/14\/soskut-tiltakozas-akkufeldolgozo-uzem-gulyas-gergely-kepviselok\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">controversial recycling plant <\/a>in S\u00f3sk\u00fat, several Hungarian companies, such as MOHU, the <a href=\"https:\/\/atlatszo.hu\/orszagszerte\/2024\/10\/31\/beszallnanak-az-akkuhulladek-bizniszbe-a-vorosiszap-kezelesben-erintett-meszaroshoz-kotheto-cegek\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">M\u00e9sz\u00e1ros Group\u2019s Envirotis Holding<\/a> and \u00c9ltex Kft., are also planning to establish waste recycling plants in Hungary. However, to our knowledge, these will still not be facilities where the recoverable metals are extracted from the so-called \u2018black mass\u2019, but rather simply shredding plants that produce the black mass itself.<\/p>\n\n<p>Particularly problematic and risky is the fact that currently, battery waste can be transported, stored and handled as non-hazardous. Lithium battery waste and battery waste are particularly flammable, which is why this poses a significant risk. There <a href=\"https:\/\/atlatszo.hu\/orszagszerte\/2023\/06\/12\/600-tonna-akkumulatort-raktaroztak-tuzvedelem-nelkul-salgotarjanban-majd-kitettek-a-szabadba-ezeket\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">has already been a fire incident<\/a> during battery waste transportation in Salg\u00f3tarj\u00e1n, even though the \u00c9ltex Kft site involved is not classified as a hazardous waste handling area.<\/p>\n\n<p>According to Greenpeace, it is outrageous that, under a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/sajtokozlemeny\/11246\/a-greenpeace-tiltakozik-mert-az-iparugyekert-felelos-miniszter-egyedul-donthetne-el-hogy-hol-dolgozzak-fel-az-akkuhulladekot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bill passed<\/a> in October 2024, the Minister responsible for industrial affairs, in this case, M\u00e1rton Nagy, may designate the locations of battery waste recycling plants in the country before any environmental impact assessment procedure. The government&#8217;s intention may have been to help solve the problem of battery waste recycling, which has arisen as Hungary becomes a battery manufacturing powerhouse. Moreover, the new regulation may have been aimed at preventing local protests. According to the law, the locations of battery waste recycling plants in the country will now be designated by the Minister responsible for industrial affairs, M\u00e1rton Nagy, through a decree, before any environmental impact assessment procedure and with no opportunity for public participation. Despite protests from several relevant organizations, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mmkkornyezetvedelem.hu\/images\/Dr._Csepregi_Istv%C3%A1n-K%C3%B6rnyezetv%C3%A9delmi_jogszab%C3%A1lyok.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Parliament passed the bill<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>According to Greenpeace, the amendment to the law goes against both Fundamental Law, and EU and international law. The new regulation completely omits the environmental rights guaranteed by the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/net.jogtar.hu\/jogszabaly?docid=a0100081.tv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Aarhus Convention<\/strong><\/a><strong>, which Hungary has ratified.<\/strong> Environmental impact should be examined at the time of site designation, and public access to information and the right for them to participate should be ensured. When a minister decides on such a key issue through a decree, public participation is effectively excluded. Furthermore, the bill was voted on without a content summary or an explanatory section containing any meaningful information. Greenpeace argues that since the environmental impact of battery waste recycling plants is undeniable, it is unacceptable that the current legal framework be amended specifically for these plants, especially as the amendment to the law violates international law and represents a step back compared to the level of protection guaranteed by environmental law. In March 2025, the European Commission <a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/info\/law\/better-regulation\/have-your-say\/initiatives\/14016-Waste-treatment-Amendment-to-the-European-List-of-Waste-to-address-waste-batteries-and-wastes-from-treating-them_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">accepted<\/a> that lithium battery waste and the product of battery waste recycling carried out in Hungary, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.euwid-recycling.de\/news\/politik\/eu-stuft-schwarzmasse-als-gefaehrlichen-abfall-ein-export-ausserhalb-oecd-nicht-mehr-moeglich-060325\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">black mass<\/a>, should be considered hazardous waste according to the European Waste Catalogue (EWC). This change will take effect within one and a half years, meaning that until autumn 2026, it will still be possible to store and handle battery waste and its processing product as non-hazardous waste in Hungary.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are we doing about the environmental impact of domestic battery factories?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>In recent years, we have provided professional support to several domestic civil organizations and local communities who have opposed the construction of battery factories planned for their areas or fought to reduce the risks of these factories:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In G\u00f6d, we have helped local residents several times with our proposals, participated in related events and provided expert suggestions to the local government.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In G\u00f6d, at the request of local residents, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/cikkek\/9879\/a-greenpeace-a-levego-oldoszer-szennyezettseget-merte-a-godi-akkumulatorgyarnal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">we conducted measurements<\/a> near the Samsung factory, examining solvents used in the battery factory in the air at residential properties.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In G\u00f6d, we investigated wastewater that had spilled onto arable land, and laboratory tests showed NMP contamination. We <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/sajtokozlemeny\/11106\/felreertelmezi-a-jogszabalyokat-a-kormanyhivatal-a-samsung-ugyben-a-god-ert-egyesulet-es-a-greenpeace-szerint\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wrote<\/a> a joint letter with the G\u00f6d-\u00c9RT Association regarding the suspended permit of the Samsung SDI factory, followed by a demonstration with the G\u00f6d-\u00c9RT Association.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We participated in civil consultations with the company involved in the S\u00f3s-k\u00fat factory that produces materials used in battery manufacturing, and we provided advice to local residents on chemical safety and pollution issues.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We consulted with local residents regarding the battery factory planned for the industrial park in Gy\u0151r and the one earmarked for Debrecen.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After our submissions, the NMP emission limit at the SK Innovation battery factories in Kom\u00e1rom <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/sajtokozlemeny\/11198\/szabalytalanul-magas-nmp-kibocsatast-engedelyez-a-hatosag-a-komaromi-akkumulatorgyarnak\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">was tightened<\/a>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The emission limit, which was previously set at 150 mg\/m\u00b3 (and considered by Greenpeace to be illegal), was not only reduced to the 2 mg\/m\u00b3 level demanded by Greenpeace, but it was further reduced to 1 mg\/m\u00b3. This new emission limit aligns with the new regulations that will take effect in 2027-28. According to environmentalists, the relevant national and EU regulations are clear: carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive-toxic substances should have an emission limit of no more than 2 mg\/m\u00b3. Greenpeace believes that the previously approved high NMP emission limit in Kom\u00e1rom was illegal and posed a risk to health and the environment.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We also <a href=\"https:\/\/magyarnarancs.hu\/kismagyarorszag\/politikai-cirkusz-lett-a-szolnokra-tervezett-elektrolitgyar-okozta-felhaborodasbol-275313\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">spoke out<\/a> on the planned electrolyte factory in Szolnok.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the media, we have shared our professional criticisms regarding nearly all domestic factories, for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ac52KdNvpms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">in this podcast<\/a>.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/sajtokozlemeny\/11246\/a-greenpeace-tiltakozik-mert-az-iparugyekert-felelos-miniszter-egyedul-donthetne-el-hogy-hol-dolgozzak-fel-az-akkuhulladekot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">protested<\/a> against regulations that facilitate the spread of battery factories.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We organized several events on the topic, including a professional session at the National Meeting of Green Organizations and a discussion with stakeholders, which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=yZsuF73ZTVs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">was also filmed<\/a>.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=yZsuF73ZTVs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><br><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/sajtokozlemeny\/11280\/civilek-es-az-akkugyarak-miatt-szenvedo-helyiek-tiltakoztak-a-kormany-altal-tamogatott-akkumulatorunnepen-a-hungexpon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">organized<\/a> a joint demonstration with the local communities concerned at Battery Week 2024.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How can local residents get involved in the process?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>We advise local residents who are near planned battery factory constructions to try to get involved early in the licensing process. If the necessary documents are not available, they should request the licensing documents through a public interest data request. We recommend that they contact the local municipality regarding the matter and also reach out to the company operating the factory, especially if the authorities refuse to release the necessary data under the pretext of a major state investment and do not allow locals to participate in the decision-making process.<\/p>\n\n<p>It is advisable to involve a local civil organization to examine the factory&#8217;s water and energy demands, potential emissions and the scope of its impact. A good step is to organize civil cooperation behind the issue, which provides an opportunity for local residents to unite in protest against the potential harmful effects of the battery factory. Additionally, starting a petition and informing the media can help the cause significantly .<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"keretes\">\n<h2>The Greenpeace Position on the spread of electric vehicles<\/h2>\n<p>Investments in internal combustion engine technology should be stopped immediately. By 2028 in Europe, and no later than 2030 in the rest of the world, the sale of new internal combustion engine cars should gradually be phased out in order to meet the climate-protection goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and reduce air pollution from transportation.<\/p>\n\n<p>While the phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles and addressing the climate crisis requires electric vehicles (and batteries), overall, there needs to be fewer cars on the roads. This goal can be achieved by investing in and developing affordable (renewable energy-powered) public transport systems and improving micro-mobility infrastructure.\n<\/p>\n<p>In the meantime, cities must be transformed so that all necessary services are within reach and people are not forced to use private vehicles. If driving is necessary, alternatives like car-sharing services should be available, as they also contribute to reducing the number of personal vehicles.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Our position on the battery factories being established in Hungary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Although the development of electromobility is necessary, domestic resources cannot support as many battery factories as are planned by the government. The timeline, the expected scale of investments, and the comprehensive social and environmental impact, are so significant that the environmental and social effects of the planned factories should be examined not individually, but within the framework of a Strategic Environmental Assessment. Considering the long-term effects of climate change, calculations should be made to assess how the construction of so many new factories might threaten our water resources and energy security. The location of new industrial sites should also take into account climate and ecological trends, and the potential consequences over the next 20 to 30 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Battery factories make enormous demands on energy, but the existing energy strategy documents do not account for this. In the midst of the climate and the energy crisis affecting Europe, careful consideration is required for plans involving such an energy-intensive industry. Due to the lack of realistic plans, there is a fear that if these battery factories are built, they will result in an increase in the use of traditional fossil fuels, both domestically and abroad, and lead to an increase in Hungary&#8217;s climate-damaging emissions and energy dependency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is unacceptable that the government designates certain projects as nationally significant investments, which facilitates the licensing process, shortens environmental permit procedures and makes it harder to conduct science-based, independent impact assessments. Moreover, before any decisions are made, it is essential to involve local communities and civil organizations. No meaningful decision on such large-scale investments should be made without the support of the local population.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rather than allowing greenfield investments that destroy valuable land, brownfield investments should be permitted in Hungary. The country has many polluted sites that remain to be cleaned and put into industrial use. We propose that battery manufacturing plants should only be implemented as brownfield projects, located far from residential areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For years we have been emphasizing that without an independent Ministry of Environment and strong, independent environmental authorities, environmental and nature protection considerations cannot be sufficiently implemented, neither in decision-making nor in the enforcement of regulations. In recent years, authorities have often failed to prevent pollution or enforce regulations, especially in the case of battery factories. Therefore, domestic authorities must pay special attention to factories related to battery manufacturing. Pollution emissions, fire and explosion protection, as well as the occupational safety regulations of these factories, should be regularly monitored.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Until the \u2018polluter pays\u2019 principle is fully implemented by the Hungarian government, and until environmental liability is guaranteed, such factories dealing with hazardous materials pose an even greater risk to the population.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is unacceptable that a large-scale programme, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.kormany.hu\/uploads\/document\/c\/c6\/c61\/c61e79e054c555b6e11fad171e99d0ad691a2b81.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">National Battery Industry Strategy 2030<\/a>, is not aligned with other domestic strategies and goals. The long- and short-term environmental and natural risks of these huge new investments are unknown. We do not even know to what extent they threaten our natural resources and energy security.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Based on current trends, it can be stated that investing to this extent in a single industry and a single technology poses national economic risks, especially since new and promising research reports more efficient, cleaner battery technologies. In other words, it is quite conceivable that in a few years, the lithium-ion batteries currently used and produced (or earmarked for production) in Hungary may become obsolete.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At EU level, environmental limits should be established for the hazardous materials used in battery manufacturing (such as groundwater and surface water limits), and these substances should also be taken into account when classifying hazardous plants under the <a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/HU\/legal-content\/summary\/major-accidents-involving-dangerous-chemicals.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Seveso directive<\/a>. Currently, some of the highly hazardous materials used in the battery industry (such as NMP) are not included in the Seveso directive, meaning no threshold values have been established for them. As a result, some battery manufacturing plants do not qualify as hazardous plants. If \u2018hazardous substances\u2019 are classified as restricted or substances of very high concern (SVHC) according to REACH, the EU chemical regulation, these should be replaced with safer alternatives instead of merely establishing threshold values that are often not enforced in practice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Until BAT\/BREF (Best Available Technology \/ Best Available Techniques) regulations are in place for the battery industry, the Hungarian authorities must ensure that outdated polluting technology is not brought into Hungary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The trust of the population and professional organizations, as well as full transparency in alignment with both domestic and EU principles and international agreements, is essential. It is unacceptable that residents do not know which toxic materials are used just 100 metres from their homes, and which may be affecting them on a regular basis. The materials used, the emissions and the route of battery waste (both manufacturing waste and defective products) should be known. It is unacceptable that battery waste containing numerous hazardous materials is still treated as non-hazardous in Hungary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Greenpeace Hungary | 01. March 2023, updated on 15. May 2025 More and more local protests are breaking out across Hungary following the opening of battery factories, many of which are classified by the government as investments of national economic importance. This designation allows investors to benefit from streamlined licensing processes and shortened environmental assessments, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":10268,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"p4_hide_page_title_checkbox":"","p4_title":"","p4_subtitle":"","p4_description":"","background_image_id":"","background_image":"","p4_button_title":"","p4_button_link":"","p4_button_link_checkbox":"","p4_og_title":"","p4_og_description":"","p4_og_image":"","p4_og_image_id":"","p4_seo_canonical_url":"","p4_campaign_name":"","p4_local_project":"","p4_basket_name":"","p4_department":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10328","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10328","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10328"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10328\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11949,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10328\/revisions\/11949"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10268"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10328"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10328"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/hungary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10328"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}