Douai, France – In a landmark event signaling a new era of industrial and environmental ambition, AESC, a global leader in battery innovation for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, officially launched Start of Production (SOP) at its Douai gigafactory in northern France. The ceremony was honored by the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, underlining the facility’s strategic importance to France’s green reindustrialization and the broader European clean energy transition.
This state-of-the-art gigafactory is more than a technological marvel—it represents a political and economic milestone. Built with backing from major financial institutions such as Bpifrance, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, the European Investment Bank, and a consortium of leading commercial banks, the project embodies France’s commitment to revitalizing its manufacturing base while embracing ecological innovation.
A National and Regional Transformation
Speaking at the ceremony, President Macron emphasized the historical significance of the launch:
“Here in Douai, we are turning a new page in the history of French industry. The inauguration of the AESC gigafactory—launched as part of Choose France in 2021—is the culmination of eight years of determined effort. This flagship project reflects a uniquely French vision of ecological transition: one that unites innovation, development, job creation, and sustainable ambition.”
His statement highlights the strategic blend of technological progress and social impact. Far from being an isolated industrial site, the Douai gigafactory is designed to serve as a regional economic catalyst. Currently employing 650 individuals, the factory is expected to support up to 1,000 high-quality green jobs as it scales toward full capacity.
This economic footprint reinforces France’s national objective to lead in clean mobility while also addressing regional employment and industrial decline.
Powering the Future of Mobility
The Douai gigafactory boasts an annual production capacity of 10 GWh, enough to supply batteries for up to 200,000 electric vehicles per year. The plant currently manufactures advanced battery cells for Renault, one of France’s most iconic automotive brands. This deep integration of domestic automotive production with localized battery supply aligns with the European Union’s broader goal of achieving supply chain resilience and technological sovereignty in the EV space.
AESC Chairman Lei Zhang highlighted the company’s vision:
“The start of production at our Douai gigafactory marks a pivotal step in AESC’s commitment to advancing France’s reindustrialization and leadership in the global energy transition. By investing in cutting-edge battery technology and skilled talent, we are proud to help accelerate the decarbonization of transportation worldwide.”
Advanced Manufacturing Meets Clean Energy
Beyond output numbers, the Douai gigafactory stands as a model of sustainable manufacturing. Powered entirely by clean electricity, the facility incorporates advanced processes such as electrode production, cell assembly, and module integration. This ensures high energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint throughout the production chain.
Moreover, AESC is actively engaged in regional talent development, working closely with local educational institutions, technical schools, and employment agencies to build a workforce equipped for the next generation of green manufacturing.
The approach is holistic: not just producing batteries, but building a clean industrial ecosystem that uplifts communities and empowers workers.
A Flagship of the Choose France Initiative
The project is also a key part of Choose France, a government initiative launched to attract international investment and strengthen France’s role as a global innovation hub. Since 2021, the initiative has facilitated dozens of high-impact industrial and technological ventures, but few have matched the Douai gigafactory in scale or symbolic power.
With Europe racing toward climate neutrality by 2050 and banning new internal combustion engine cars from 2035, domestic battery manufacturing has become a cornerstone of energy policy. The Douai plant exemplifies this shift—from fossil-fueled supply chains to clean, circular, and sovereign production networks.
Conclusion: Shaping Europe’s Clean Future
The launch of AESC’s Douai gigafactory is a defining moment in Europe’s transition to sustainable mobility. It signals a clear path forward: combining innovation with job creation, ecological ambition with industrial rebirth.
As President Macron rightly put it, “Together, we are shaping an industry that will strengthen Douai, uplift the region, and contribute to a more sovereign and prosperous Nation.”
With operations now underway, the focus will turn to scaling up production, training a new generation of green workers, and embedding Douai at the heart of Europe’s EV supply chain.
AESC’s commitment to clean technology, backed by France’s bold vision, ensures that this is not just a factory—but a foundation for the future.
