Protest movement against battery factory emissions grows in Eskilstuna
Residents in Eskilstuna are protesting outside the Senior Material battery factory over harmful emissions. The local municipality plans to report the company to authorities amid ongoing complaints. The demonstration underscores growing concerns about environmental impact.
A large demonstration took place outside the Senior Material battery factory in Eskilstuna, where local residents protested against the company's emissions. The event, organized by a growing protest movement, drew hundreds of participants demanding action on odors and pollution from lithium battery production.
Eskilstuna municipality is furious over Senior Material's handling of complaints and plans to report the company to the county administrative board. 'We are very dissatisfied with the company's lack of accountability', a municipal official told Aftonbladet. Complaints have persisted since the factory began operations in 2022, with reports of strong odors affecting nearby residential areas.
According to SVT, the protest movement has strengthened in recent months, with more residents getting involved after repeated incidents. 'The emissions are unsustainable for our health and environment', one demonstrator was quoted as saying. Senior Material has previously promised improvements, but critics claim the issues remain.
The background is that the factory recycles and produces batteries, an industry vital for the green transition but also carrying risks of emissions. The municipality emphasizes the need to follow environmental regulations, while the company has not commented on the latest protests. The event occurred on October 15, 2023, outside the factory in Eskilstuna's industrial area.