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2024-12-13 00:00:00
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China’s leading battery manufacturer, CATL, is on track to commence production at its new battery plant in Debrecen, eastern Hungary, by 2025. Jason Chen, CATL’s General Director for European Operations, announced during a press conference that the project is progressing as planned, with structural work on the production hall completed and installation underway.
Key Updates on the CATL Plant
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Project Milestones: Construction of the plant is advancing steadily, and production is confirmed to start in 2025.
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Early Operations: To meet growing customer demand, CATL has already begun assembling battery modules in a 60,000-square-meter rented hall adjacent to the plant site. These modules are currently supplied with battery cells from China.
Why Debrecen Was Chosen
Debrecen’s strategic location, robust logistics infrastructure, and strong educational programs at local institutions made it the optimal choice for this investment, Chen explained. These factors align with CATL’s commitment to long-term growth and community integration in Hungary.
Environmental Commitments
CATL has prioritized environmental sustainability in its operations:
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Water Conservation: The plant will utilize adiabatic coolers and graywater systems, reducing water consumption in the manufacturing process by approximately 50%.
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Closed-System Production: Ensures minimal environmental impact during operations.
Chen emphasized CATL’s dedication to contributing to the European Union’s green energy transition alongside its German operations.
Community and Workforce Development
CATL is actively engaging with the local community and educational institutions:
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Job Creation: The Debrecen plant has already hired 400 employees, with plans to participate in 23 job fairs next year. Workforce numbers are projected to exceed 1,000 by mid-2025, 2,000 by year-end 2025, and 2,600 when the plant reaches full capacity in 2026.
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Educational Partnerships: Strategic agreements have been signed with universities in Debrecen and Miskolc, as well as vocational schools in Debrecen and Berettyóújfalu, to support workforce training and development.
Future Plans for Europe
CATL is also exploring potential sites in Europe for a battery recycling plant, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles.
Conclusion
With production set to begin in 2025, CATL’s Debrecen plant represents a significant investment in Hungary’s economy and a major step toward supporting the European Union’s green energy goals. By integrating advanced technologies, fostering local talent, and prioritizing environmental sustainability, CATL is poised to make a lasting impact on the European battery manufacturing landscape.
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