One of the biggest investments currently being made in the European car industry is going to the next phase, as the definitive «green light» for the construction of a new battery factory.
The transition to electric motor continues to be one of the biggest priorities of European car manufacturers, with manufacturers investing billions of euros in new plants, trying to reduce their dependence on companies outside Epirus and enhance their competitiveness on markets.
In this context, one of the biggest investments we have seen in recent years is currently moving on to Spain In particular, in Aragon, where the decision to complete all the necessary authorisations was finally adopted. Contemporary Star Energy's new battery factory, the consortium that has been created by Stellantis and the Chinese CATL.
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This is one of the most important industrial investments announced for the Old Continent, with the total budget of the project reaching 4.1 billion euros.
As far as its location is concerned, the new unit will be built in the Figueruelas area, near Zaragoza, next to the already existing premises of Stellantis, while its construction phase is already under way, με αρκετές από τις νέες υποδομές να βρίσκονται ήδη σε ιδιαίτερα προχωρημένο στάδιο.
Some 500 employees are currently involved in the development of the unit, of which 172 come from China. Following work, this figure is expected to increase gradually until it reaches 1,700 workers, After completion of the plant the plant will employ a total of around 4,000 workers.
According to the information published, the main reason for the arrival of such a large number of Chinese workers is the specialized expertise they have in operating and starting battery production lines.Although Spain has the necessary facilities and equipment, experience is needed in the proper calibration of production lines, in the reduction of waste and in the gradual increase in production capacity.
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The CATL has acquired this expertise through the creation and operation of dozens of factories in China and other countries, Which explains why it carries a large number of experienced technicians and engineers to the new factory.
It is noted that, following the completion of the plant's construction and development work, Chinese workers will focus on the phase of the installation of production equipment and the location of the project in operation, Before the baton is taken over by some 4,000 Spanish workers who will staff the unit.
According to the existing programme, the first production lines are expected to enter into operation in the first months of 2027, with the information saying that when the plant goes into full operational condition it will have annual production capacity 50 GWh.
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The factory will focus on cell production LFP batteries (iron lithium phosphate), which stand out for the lowest cost of production, longer life and increased stability and security they offer.
