Today, Poland emerges as a strategic destination for investment in battery factories, attracting the attention of European companies with a highly qualified workforce that includes engineers, scientists, and electromobility specialists.
In recent years, a significant number of battery factories have been established in Poland, according to a report by the Polish Chamber of Electromobility Development (PIRE), each showcasing a wide range of capabilities and innovations within the sector.
According to Krzysztof Burda, president of the Polish Chamber of Electromobility Development (PIRE), Poland’s strategic location makes it “an ideal hub for battery, components, and subassembly factories”.
In fact, major industry players such as LG Energy Solutions and Umicore, have established a strong presence there.
According to a McKinsey report, the Polish nation ranks second globally in battery production capacity, following China, with 73 GWh in 2022.
The country’s battery exports for electric vehicles soared to over nine billion euros in 2022, marking a remarkable 23 per cent increase from the previous year and a staggering 600 per cent rise since 2018 (UN COMTRADE data).
By 2023, battery exports surged to 12 billion euros, contributing to a total electromobility sector export of 16.13 billion euros.
So, which are they and what do they specialize in?
BMZ
Firstly, there is BMZ Poland, based in Gliwice, a leader in the European market for intelligent lithium-ion energy systems.
As part of the BMZ Innovation Group, a global leader in smart energy supply, the company stands out as the largest manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries in the country, offering significant opportunities.
Their products power a wide range of devices, from electric bicycles and scooters to power tools, gardening equipment, commercial vehicles, and electric buses.
Capchem
Capchem Poland, part of the Shenzhen Capchem Technology group, has invested approximately 50 million euros in a plant in Śrem to produce electrolytes for Li-ion batteries, highlighting the country’s attractiveness for strategic investments in battery components.
In fact, Capchem is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise specialized in electronic chemicals and functional materials.
Enchem
The Korean producer of electrolytes, inaugurated its factory in Biskupice Podgórne, Lower Silesia, in 2020.
Specializing in a crucial component for lithium-ion batteries, primarily for LG, Enchem strengthens the nation’s role in the global supply chain of battery materials.
Since its establishment in 2012, Enchem has risen above its domestic competitors to compete on the global stage.
In 2013, the company became the first in the world to manufacture electrolytes for second-generation electric vehicles.
Achieving the “double 10” and the highest growth rate over the past decade, Enchem has established itself as Korea’s leading electrolyte manufacturer.
The corporation is the only electrolyte company with factories on three continents and four countries, continuously striving to globalize and localize its operations.
EV Metals Group
EV Metals Group, an Australian conglomerate, has invested 50 million euros in Konin to establish a battery factory, following the initiative of Johnson Matthey, further enhancing Poland’s position in the global battery manufacturing landscape.
With expected deficits in high-purity chemicals anticipated by 2030, their objective is to establish resilient and integrated supply chains, delivering value to shareholders, stakeholders, and communities in which they operate.
Forsee Power
Forsee Power has established a production plant in the territory focused on electrical measurement products, including those intended for AC charging stations, contributing to the infrastructure of electric mobility solutions.
The firm manufactures intelligent battery systems for sustainable electromobility, which contributes to mitigating climate change while having the smallest environmental footprint.
IONWAY
The new European electric vehicle battery materials company based in Brussels decided to set up its first production plant for Cathode Active Materials (CAM) in Nysa, Poland, alongside Umicore’s existing CAM plant.
This joint venture, supported by Umicore and PowerCo, owned by the Volkswagen Group, is expanding the European Union’s (EU) presence in the electric mobility sector. Its goal is to increase annual production capacity to 160 GWh by the end of the decade, which is equivalent to supplying batteries for 2.2 million electric vehicles, depending on market evolution.
With this project, IONWAY will contribute to the EU reaching its Green Deal targets, accelerating the creation of battery value chains that are regional, sustainable, and transparent.
Johnson Matthey Battery Systems
In Gliwice, Johnson Matthey Battery Systems manufactures Li-ion battery packs for power tools, electric bicycles, and other mobility solutions, meeting the demand for efficient energy storage solutions.
Specifically, Gliwice specializes in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, producing a wide range of systems with varying power and capacity.
Their design and volume production capabilities range from as little as 1 watt-hour to 3 kilowatt-hour and 3.6 volts to 60.
LG Energy Solution
Located in Biskupice Podgórne, the corporation operates the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory, with an expected annual production capacity of 90 GWh by 2023, aiming to reach 115 GWh by 2025.
With investments exceeding 3.2 billion Polish zlotys, LG Energy Solution’s presence highlights Poland’s crucial role in global battery production.
LS Cable & System
In Dzierżoniów, LS Cable & System began production of battery components, including optical fiber cables, in 2019, with an investment valued at approximately 9 million euros, enhancing Poland’s capabilities in battery component manufacturing.
LS EV
Also part of the LS Group, the company established a production plant in Dzierżoniów for modules enabling series connection of cells in electric vehicle batteries, with investments exceeding 170 million Polish zlotys.
Mercedes-Benz
Meanwhile, located in Jawor, Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland manufactures lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. Powered entirely by renewable energy from a nearby wind farm, the plant aims to produce 100,000 batteries annually.
POSCO PLSC
In Bukowice, near Brzeg Dolny, POSCO PLSC operates a lithium-ion battery recycling plant in collaboration with SungEel HiTech.
Dedicated to processing waste from battery factories and using Li-ion batteries, POSCO PLSC significantly contributes to sustainable battery production.
Royal Bees Recycling
Similarly, Royal Bees Recycling, a national startup, developed a modular pilot plant to process dry waste from electric vehicle battery production.
Recognized as a leader in Li-ion battery recycling in Europe, Royal Bees Recycling exemplifies innovation in sustainable battery solutions.
Starion Poland Sp. z o.o.
Starion Poland Sp. z o.o. manufactures plastic housings for electric vehicle batteries, investing approximately 55 million Polish zlotys in their facility to support the growing electric mobility market.
