Hungarian authorities have temporarily halted work in three areas of CATL’s plant in Debrecen. The employer had previously identified elevated nickel exposure among nine employees. Authorities also denied an occupancy permit for the second phase of the battery cell production building.
The plant is still under construction and has not yet begun producing battery cells, according to Hungary’s Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration. The Hajdú-Bihar County Government Office is responsible for the inspections.
Inspection Finds Deficiencies in Protective Equipment
The occupational safety inspection was prompted by the employer’s report of elevated nickel exposure among nine employees. During a subsequent on-site inspection, authorities identified deficiencies in the provision of protective equipment.
As a result, work was prohibited in three production areas. The affected operations include equipment for laser cutting cathode and anode foils and for winding these foils. Work in the cell-drying area has also been temporarily suspended. According to the ministry, the restrictions will remain in place until the identified violations have been addressed.
Permit for Second Construction Phase Denied
At the same time, authorities reviewed the occupancy permits for the battery cell production building. The permit for the first construction phase was granted on August 25, 2026, after the investor submitted the requested additional documentation.
The decision for the second construction phase was different. Authorities denied the application on August 19. According to the ministry, the reason was an inaccurate representation of the completed building in the site plan.
Source:
https://kormanyhivatalok.hu/hirek/vizsgalat-es-elutasitott-engedely-catl-nel
