IIAs 2026 | SK’s Expansion in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland

Why It Matters

The project bolsters EU battery autonomy and demonstrates how large‑scale FDI can offset supply‑chain risks from geopolitical rivals. It also signals Poland’s growing role as a hub for advanced manufacturing talent.

Key Takeaways

• €4.4 bn invested in Polish battery separator plant.
• Creates 1,200 jobs, boosting local employment.
• Ranked second most impactful European mega project 2026.
• Enhances EU battery supply chain amid Chinese competition.
• Overcomes high electricity costs via government collaboration.

Pulse Analysis

SK Group’s €4.4 bn battery separator facility in Dąbrowa Górnicza marks a decisive step toward securing Europe’s electric‑vehicle supply chain. By situating the plant near Katowice, the company taps into a dense network of technical universities and engineering talent, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers. This strategic location not only reduces logistics costs but also aligns with EU policy goals to localise critical components, diminishing reliance on distant manufacturers.

The investment has generated over 1,200 jobs, catalysing regional economic growth and prompting ancillary services to emerge. While high electricity tariffs and rising labour expenses pose challenges, SK Battery Materials Poland has forged proactive partnerships with municipal and national authorities, securing subsidies and grid support. Such collaboration illustrates how foreign direct investment can navigate complex regulatory environments, turning potential obstacles into opportunities for productivity gains and workforce upskilling.

On a macro level, the plant’s recognition as the second‑most impactful mega project underscores the shifting competitive landscape in battery technology. As Chinese firms dominate global output, European stakeholders are accelerating domestic capacity to meet aggressive EV adoption targets. The Dąbrowa Górnicza project exemplifies how large‑scale, talent‑focused investments can enhance supply‑chain resilience, attract further capital, and position the EU as a credible contender in the next generation of energy storage solutions.

IIAs 2026 | SK’s expansion in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland

The Korean firm’s Polish battery expansion won second for operational mega projects · Alex Irwin‑Hunt · February 12 2026

Polish proficiency: South Korean conglomerate SK Group has found strong talent in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland.

South Korean conglomerate SK Group’s battery separator factory in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland, has gained recognition as the second most impactful operational mega project in Europe for its wide‑ranging impacts.

By 2023, the group had invested about €4.4 bn in the factory outside Katowice and created more than 1,200 local jobs. It plays a key role in Europe’s battery supply chain amid Chinese competition.

The judging panel gave high marks to SK Battery Materials Poland (Skbmp) for its contributions to job creation, skills development, productivity and innovation. “At SK Group, people are our most important resource,” Hyeongseok Han, director of talent development and organisational culture at Skbmp tells fDi.

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PROJECT BY THE NUMBERS

• Investor, HQ country: SK IE Technology Co., Ltd, South Korea

• Location: Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland

• Sector: Electronic components (batteries)

• Capital investment: €4.4 bn

• Jobs created (according to Skbmp): 1,200

Despite challenges from cultural differences and communication within SK Group’s global business, the company has had success in finding talent in Poland. “Dąbrowa Górnicza is an excellent location, providing constant access to highly qualified staff,” says Han, noting that local universities provide “constant access to top‑tier specialists”.

Challenges such as high electricity prices, rising labour costs and electric‑vehicle market fluctuations have led Skbmp to communicate and work closely with local and national authorities. “This communication channel is essential when launching an investment,” says Han, noting that this helps it navigate the “complex process” of FDI.

This article is part of the Special Report: Investment Impact Awards 2026.