In a strategic move towards sustainable practices, the Slovenian Andrada Group is poised to establish a cutting-edge recycling facility for electric car batteries in the Alsózsolca region of north-eastern Hungary. The ambitious project envisions an annual recycling capacity of 10,000 tonnes of batteries, marking a remarkable step in addressing the environmental challenges posed by e-waste.
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, has confirmed that the Andrada Group will inject 10 billion forints, equivalent to approximately 26 million euros, into the construction and operation of the battery recycling plant. This landmark initiative not only signifies the largest Slovenian investment in Hungary to date but also positions Hungary as a focal point for pioneering battery recycling endeavors. Although a definitive timeline for the factory’s operational commencement remains pending, the venture holds promising potential for the local economy.
See also: CATL invests €7.34 billion to build EV battery production base in Hungary
Underscoring the government’s commitment to this transformative undertaking, Hungary’s administration is providing a financial boost of 4.7 billion forints, approximately 12 million euros, towards the realization of the project. This backing is projected to yield around 200 job opportunities, contributing to regional employment growth. Minister Szijjártó affirms that this progressive stride will not only uphold the principle of pollution-free battery production but will also ensure a reliable avenue for battery recycling.
The move comes as Hungary witnesses a surge in battery cell factory establishments, with notable entities like Sunwoda, CATL, and Eve Energy joining the fray. Moreover, Huayou Cobalt is set to establish its inaugural European manufacturing unit in Hungary, dedicated to producing cathode material for electric vehicle batteries. Additionally, BYD has outlined its intentions to construct a battery assembly plant within the country.
The Andrada Group has laid claim to an innovative Li-ion recycling technology, which, according to their statement, not only aligns with but surpasses Germany’s stringent quality benchmarks in terms of safety and environmental compatibility. While the rationale behind specifically referencing German standards remains opaque, the emphasis on top-tier quality is clear.
As part of its commitment to transparency and community engagement, the Andrada Group has organized open days for local residents and media representatives at the end of September and the beginning of October. The forthcoming high-tech facility, housed within an existing industrial park, has been designed to minimize adverse environmental effects. Encouragingly, a substantial portion of the workforce, comprising 70 local engineers and technicians, is anticipated to be in place by year’s end, marking a significant step towards the project’s realization.
