Planet China: Twelfth in a series about how Beijing’s trillion-dollar development plan is reshaping the globe—and the natural world.
HAJDÚSZOBOSZLÓ, Hungary—As night fell over the community center, residents of a small Hungarian town gathered with anxious faces to hear about the battery factories sprouting up nearby. Discussions about hazardous chemicals, immense water usage, and energy demands filled the air, sparking unease among the attendees.
The crowd’s concerns turned into a flurry of questions and comments. A woman, visibly distressed, shared her fear about the proximity of the smokestacks to her daughter’s kindergarten, urging her neighbors to take a stand.
China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., or CATL, is on the verge of completing one of Europe’s largest electric vehicle battery plants near Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city. This burgeoning industrial park is home to several other battery component manufacturers, many of which are Chinese-owned, contributing to Hungary’s rapid rise in the battery manufacturing industry.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s vision to transform Hungary into a battery production hub has led to a significant increase in Chinese investments. With at least 18 projects announced or underway, totaling $17 billion, Hungary is becoming a central player in Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels. Yet, this ambitious growth has sparked public concern over environmental and health impacts.
Leading the charge against these developments is Éva Kozma, head of the Mikepércs Mothers for the Environment Association. Formed in response to CATL’s plans, the group has been vocal about the potential risks of battery production, advocating for better oversight and transparency.
Globally, Chinese companies are at the forefront of building the infrastructure necessary for clean energy technologies, with investments estimated at $200 billion for overseas projects since 2022. While these initiatives support global emission reductions, they often face local resistance due to environmental and social concerns.
Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for China’s U.S. embassy, maintains that these investments are meant to foster green growth through the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing mutual respect and economic development.
Despite these reassurances, Hungary’s regulatory environment—characterized by fast-tracked permits and limited environmental oversight—has facilitated the rapid expansion of these factories. Activists like Kozma have faced backlash and intimidation for their efforts to hold companies accountable.
The Battery Boom
The following morning, Kozma and fellow activist Tibor Nemes surveyed the sprawling industrial site from a distance. The transformation from farmland to industrial hub was evident, with vast, windowless structures dominating the landscape.
The Mikepércs group has received EU funding to educate surrounding communities about the potential impacts of the factories. They’ve taken legal action, resulting in adjustments to CATL’s permits to mitigate some environmental concerns.
Air quality monitoring efforts by the group have already identified pollution spikes coinciding with activities at the factories. Additionally, local authorities fined a Chinese-owned plant for exceeding emissions limits, though the company has not publicly responded.
Water usage is another pressing issue. CATL’s facility is set to consume significant quantities of water, amid already challenging drought conditions in Debrecen. Hazardous chemicals like N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, linked to health risks, amplify residents’ worries.
Efforts by companies to address these issues include CATL’s revised plans to reduce chemical emissions and adopt water-saving technologies.
China’s Global Influence
China’s clean energy exports are reshaping global markets, with significant reductions in global emissions attributed to these efforts. However, the rapid expansion often overlooks local impacts, drawing criticism from human rights and environmental advocates.
Chinese projects have been linked to environmental degradation and labor rights violations in various countries. Despite these challenges, some experts argue that host nations have opportunities to negotiate better outcomes and foster sustainable development.
Hungary’s alignment with China under Orbán’s leadership has raised eyebrows, especially as the government navigates a delicate balance between economic growth and social responsibility.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org