Author name: Cornelius Karow

Hungary plans to significantly increase potential environmental fines for large industrial companies. The maximum penalty is set to rise to 5 billion forints (about $16 million). The rules will apply to battery manufacturers, among other companies. At the same time, a new environmental authority will more closely monitor battery plant production, recycling, and decommissioning. Prime Minister Peter Magyar also announced a new penalty system for repeat violations. If a large company violates environmental regulations three times within five years, a revenue-based minimum fine will apply. It will amount to at least 0.5% of the company’s annual net revenue. Samsung Plant in Göd Cited as Example of Environmental Violations Magyar cited Samsung SDI’s battery plant in Göd, northern Hungary, as an example. The facility was fined several times between 2022 and 2023 for exceeding emissions limits. According to the prime minister’s calculations, the planned revenue-based minimum fine would amount to about 5 billion forints for the plant. Before the election, Samsung said its Hungarian plant complied with environmental and safety regulations. The factory’s environmental permit had been temporarily suspended. Authorities also took action against Chinese battery component manufacturer Semcorp. In June, its production permit was suspended. Authorities had previously detected widespread aluminum contamination in water samples from monitoring wells around the plant. Semcorp said it was investigating the matter. Source:https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/hungary-create-watchdog-oversee-ev-battery-plants-boost-fines-polluters-2026-09-03/

ProLogium has started series production of its Generation 3.5 solid-state battery in Taiwan. The large-format 185.4 Ah lithium ceramic battery cell achieves a gravimetric energy density of 381 Wh/kg, according to TÜV testing. Its volumetric energy density is 903 Wh/L. Manufacturing Platform Has Been in Use for More Than a Decade The technology is based on ProLogium’s Logithium cell architecture. It combines a ceramic separator with an edge structure designed to provide additional separation, sealing, and insulation around the electrodes. ProLogium developed the architecture in 2012 and began commercial production in 2013. Since then, the company says it has shipped more than 2.4 million cells. Continuous roll-to-roll manufacturing followed in 2017. Since 2024, ProLogium has operated a Giga-scale manufacturing platform for large-format cells. Generation 4 to Largely Use Existing Manufacturing Equipment In parallel, ProLogium is developing its Generation 4 technology. It is intended to use a fully inorganic electrolyte while retaining the cell architecture and major manufacturing processes. According to the company’s plans, about 10 percent of the existing production equipment would need to be modified. ProLogium identifies electric vehicles, data centers, maritime applications, and aerospace as target markets. In addition to Taiwan, ProLogium plans production capacity in France and, eventually, North America. Further industrialization will depend on more than energy density and battery classification. Production yield, costs, service life, and reproducible performance data from high-volume manufacturing will also be relevant. Source:https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/09/02/3354848/0/en/prologium-begins-mass-production-of-high-energy-density-all-solid-state-battery-reaching-381-wh-kg-and-903-wh-l.html

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

SK On plans to supply LFP battery cells for stationary energy storage systems to NeoVolta Power between 2027 and 2031. The two companies have signed a long-term supply agreement covering a total of 9 GWh. The cells are to be produced at an SK On manufacturing facility in the U.S. Both companies have also agreed on a broader collaboration covering an additional 9 GWh of LFP cells. NeoVolta Power will use these cells to manufacture energy storage packs, which SK On will then purchase. Together, the agreements represent a planned collaboration volume of 18 GWh. Financial details were not disclosed. LFP Pouch Cells for BESS Applications SK On is set to become the primary supplier of LFP pouch cells for NeoVolta Power’s corresponding battery energy storage systems. The initial supply agreement runs from 2027 through 2031. The additional agreement covers the same period. Under this arrangement, NeoVolta Power will manufacture the energy storage packs. The company operates a production facility in Pendergrass, Georgia, designed for higher-volume manufacturing of battery energy storage systems. SK On Expands Beyond EV Batteries For SK On, the agreement represents an expansion of its stationary energy storage business in the U.S. The company has so far focused primarily on high-nickel batteries for electric vehicles. In parallel, it plans to expand its LFP cell business for battery energy storage systems, or BESS. Source:https://askinno.com/global/archives/156861

U.S. battery manufacturer Lyten is the preferred bidder for the business of insolvent Norwegian battery company Morrow Batteries. On August 21, 2026, the bankruptcy estates and creditor Innovation Norway signed a memorandum of understanding with Lyten. On May 6, 2026, the Agder District Court opened bankruptcy proceedings for the three Morrow companies. The proceedings involve Morrow Batteries ASA, Morrow Technologies AS, and Morrow Industrialization Center AS. The proposed transaction is structured as an asset sale intended to keep the business operating. However, the transaction has not yet been finalized. Sale Intended to Keep Morrow Batteries Operating The agreement followed a bidding process involving several interested parties. After negotiations with multiple bidders, Lyten was selected as the preferred bidder. According to Innovation Norway, factors included the expected financial recovery and the feasibility of completing the transaction. Final transaction documents still need to be agreed upon. Lyten Evaluates Industrial Hub in Arendal Lyten is currently evaluating how the facilities in Arendal could be used in the future. The company is considering establishing what it calls an Industrial Hub at the site. This could include battery manufacturing and other activities along the energy storage value chain. Lyten has also identified potential applications related to data centers, mobility, and defense. Source:https://svw.no/lyten-selected-as-preferred-bidder-for-morrow-batteries-business/