AESC has started production at its new 10 GWh battery plant in Douai, France. The facility supplies Renault and is expected to employ up to 1,000 people as part of France’s industrial strategy for electric mobility.
Automotive Energy Supply Company (AESC) has commenced battery production at its newly completed gigafactory in Douai, France. The facility, which has an annual capacity of 10 GWh, will supply advanced lithium-ion batteries for Renault electric vehicles. At full scale, it will have the potential to power up to 200,000 EVs per year.
French President Emmanuel Macron attended the official Start of Production (SOP) event, underscoring the site’s strategic role in France’s industrial and energy transition.
“Here in Douai, we are turning a new page in the history of French industry,” said President Macron. “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.”
The project is backed by several financial partners, including Bpifrance, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, the European Investment Bank, and a syndicate of commercial banks. And, maybe more importantly, the EU Commission approved a grant of 48 million euros from the French government earlier this year.
The site currently employs 650 staff, with AESC expecting to increase this to 1,000 as production ramps up. The plant is located in the Hauts-de-France region, a traditional automotive stronghold now being positioned as a hub for electric mobility production. The facility is powered by renewable electricity and includes integrated manufacturing processes such as electrode production, cell assembly, and module integration.
AESC will manufacture lithium-ion cells and battery modules for Renault, namely the more affordable NMC cells with for volume vehicles in the battery factory in Douai. The battery cells will initially be used for the all-electric Renault R5. Renault will continue to source performance cells from long-standing battery partner LG Energy Solution.
“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. France’s bold vision for clean mobility continues to inspire us every day”, said Lei Zhang, Chairman of AESC.
According to earlier information, the investment for the site amounts to 1.3 billion euros. In 2023, the European Investment Bank (EIB) granted loans totalling 450 million euros for the project.
Meanwhile, the construction of the company’s battery factory in South Carolina, USA, has been put on hold. The 1.6 billion dollar project was to supply BMW with cylindrical cells and create around 1,600 jobs. The reason cited for the temporary halt to construction is uncertainty regarding US economic policy and market conditions.
aesc-group.com
