GIB EnergyX Continues with Plant Construction, Rejects Misleading Statements

Bratislava, 7 April (TASR) - GIB EnergyX has begun assembling the supporting structure of a battery plant in Surany (Nitra region), marking a stage where construction becomes directly visible on site, the company stated in response to statements by the opposition's Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party, rejecting what it described as SaS's misleading claims about the project. "In recent months, extensive earthworks, geological and geotechnical surveys, drilling and testing activities have taken place at the site, creating the conditions for a smooth transition to the next phase. The company also considers it necessary to publicly respond to repeated claims that do not reflect reality. Construction of the plant in Surany is under way and the project is continuing. We firmly reject any misleading statements about the status or progress of the project," the company said. According to GIB EnergyX, the project is currently in the mandatory environmental impact assessment phase (the so-called large EIA), with an evaluation report being prepared for the Environment Ministry. The company plans to submit the report officially by July 2026, adding that the EIA process has a clearly defined legal procedure and timeline which has been announced and respected from the outset. "We therefore reject deliberately misleading claims about the project. We are continuing the work we have committed to Slovakia, Surany, local companies and the wider region," the company added. A working meeting between representatives of the Slovak government and GIB EnergyX took place last week, where the current status of the project was discussed. The company informed government representatives that around 90 percent of suppliers involved in construction are Slovak firms, with the remainder coming from Central and Eastern Europe. The plant is expected to create 1,300 jobs in its first phase and become one of the largest industrial employers in the region. Part of the technological line is to be installed in the fourth quarter of this year, with testing and production parameter setup planned for the first quarter of 2027. Recruitment for managerial, technical and construction positions is already under way, while hiring for operational roles is scheduled for the second half of 2026. GIB EnergyX added that the €1.23-billion investment ranks among the most significant industrial investments in Slovakia's history. The project is intended to play a strategic role in building the European battery value chain and maintaining the competitiveness of the Slovak and European automotive industry. Earlier in the day, SaS criticised the preparation of the battery plant near Surany. While Slovakia would benefit from such a facility, the overall process of preparing and implementing the project is not being carried out appropriately, according to MP Karol Galek. mf