KunlunChem pulls plug on planned electrolyte factory in Szolnok
Chinese company KunlunChem announced on Facebook that it will not proceed with the electrolyte plant near Szolnok, saying it respects the city’s and community’s wishes.
On Tuesday evening, Chinese electrolyte producer KunlunChem used its Facebook page to declare that the planned plant near Szolnok will not proceed, stating the company respects the wishes of the municipality and local population. Szolnok mayor Györfi Mihály celebrated the outcome, claiming the whole city had won and linking the reversal to a long-standing Fidesz-backed scheme he described as secretive. The city council had already rescinded its backing in late April, arguing that the investor had not provided concrete information on emissions, hazardous material handling, or transport routes, and that environmental data were lacking.
Regional MP Rost Andrea had earlier announced that the project no longer qualified as a national priority, while former foreign minister Szijjártó Péter had previously promoted the plant as KunlunChem’s first European facility. The cancelled venture, valued at 40 billion forints, was expected to generate roughly 120 new jobs and serve automakers BMW and Mercedes.
Why it matters
The cancellation removes a major investment and job promise while highlighting local environmental concerns in Hungary’s battery sector.
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