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China’s EVE Power will establish a plant in Debrecen’s Northwest Economic Zone as its first European manufacturing investment, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, announced on the 9th of May 2023 in Debrecen.
The project, on a 45-hectare site with an investment of more than EUR 1 billion, will create more than 1,000 new jobs and 28 GWh/year production capacity to supply EVE Power with a new generation of cylindrical battery cells for BMW’s Debrecen plant, specifically for the “Neue Klasse” models. In the newly created plant, EVE intends to install the best available technology to ensure optimised, environmentally friendly production.
Mayor of Debrecen László Papp said: “Debrecen is home to the most decisive and indispensable sectors of the 21st century, electromobility and energy storage, as well as to the most advanced technology and manufacturing processes, which will guarantee that the city will be one of the most successful in Central Europe for decades to come.
He stressed, however, that another important element of a successful urban strategy is maintaining a balance between economic development and using natural resources. Debrecen has worked in recent years to ensure that ecological and nature conservation developments are given due emphasis in addition to economic development. He mentioned that with the recent decision and support of the Government, the entire water utility system of Debrecen would be put on a new basis with a development of more than HUF 100 billion. This will include a comprehensive expansion and renovation of the city’s wastewater treatment plant and the city’s water supply and sewerage system, as well as the construction of a system for the production of treated wastewater (grey water) in both the Southern and Northwest Economic zones, thus contributing to the protection of the city’s underground aquifer. “A new era of mobility is beginning, a new era in the protection of our environment. This must be the expectation for all job-creating investments in Debrecen, including the EVE investment, as the protection of the environment, the preservation of health and safe operation during construction and operation must be a priority,” he stressed.
The mayor said that the economic success of Debrecen will generate new developments, as the Government has before it the updated version of the Debrecen 2030 strategic programme, which will mean the launch of important investments in urban development in the near future, in addition to economic development. “Debrecen’s success is ensured if the city can become more attractive, liveable and sustainable. Therefore, today we need to formulate our strategic goals along these lines”, László Papp pointed out.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said that Eve Power would use the most modern technology and will operate in an environmentally conscious manner. Eve Power will use the most modern technology and the most advanced technology available. 95 per cent of the water needed for its operation will be provided from treated wastewater and surface water. Only five per cent will be of conventional drinking water quality, which will be used by the workers for cleaning and drinking. Part of the process wastewater is already recycled on site, and solar panels will be installed on the roof of the factory building to protect the environment.
MP Lajos Kósa recalled that twenty-five years ago, the work started in a town that was bypassed by the motorway and had a closed airport. Despite this, the Financial Times recently named Debrecen as one of the most attractive cities in the world for its size. He stressed that this could be achieved by working together with the people of the city. He said that Debrecen, in line with the government, is home to one of the fastest-growing green industries. He stressed that no one who endangers the health of the people of Debrecen and the environment of the city should work in Debrecen. Eve Power also knows that Debrecen has to meet the highest environmental standards.
Alexander Holden, Vice President of EVE Power, said in his speech that they are not simply creating 1,000 new jobs in the city but rather a unique, exciting and challenging career opportunity. In terms of their sustainable operations, he said that as a good neighbour to the city’s citizens, they would look after the future and Debrecen’s natural resources while working with the city on issues of social responsibility, be it youth or education.
Glenn Schmidt, Vice President of BMW, said that they are delighted that EVE Power is coming to Debrecen. As part of the BMW Group’s iFACTORY sustainable manufacturing strategy, the close integration of battery production and vehicle manufacturing is a key element. “It is enough to transport the battery cells to the battery assembly plant across the street, and this really short transport route is not only a highly climate-conscious solution but also reduces emissions and unnecessary traffic from logistics,” he concluded.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
