France is finally stepping up its game in the competitive field of battery production with the announcement of a new 500 million euro plant in the heart of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. This ambitious project signals a major leap for France’s reindustrialization efforts and is set to make waves across Europe as it taps into the rapidly growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. With this new plant, France is not only catching up to its European counterparts but also positioning itself as a key player in the energy transition.
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A New Beginning for an Old Industrial Site
The plant, located in Saint-Saulve near Valenciennes, will rise from the ashes of the Vallourec steel mill, which shut down in 2022. This “Macaron” project, led by the French company Axens, will focus on producing cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The factory is expected to produce 28,000 tons of material per year, contributing to about 3% of Europe’s total demand by 2030. This revitalization of an industrial wasteland reflects a broader vision of technological sovereignty and reindustrialization for France, with plans to boost the national and European battery industry significantly¹.
In May 2025, Axens confirmed that the plant’s investment would total 500 million euros, with plans to launch operations in 2028. The public consultation on the project, which began in early May 2025, will continue until July 5, 2025, providing local communities with an opportunity to voice their opinions on the environmental and economic implications².
Axens and Its Strategic Push in the Battery Market
Axens, founded in 1977 and based in Rueil-Malmaison, is no stranger to industrial innovations. Known for its work in transforming petroleum, gas, and biomass into cleaner fuels, as well as its expertise in plastic recycling, Axens is leveraging its vast knowledge to branch out into the growing field of battery production. The company’s involvement in this project is a testament to its ability to adapt and innovate, securing its place in an industry that will be pivotal in the coming years.
The choice of the Saint-Saulve location is strategic. Situated along the Escaut River and close to the Bruay-Saint-Saulve inland port, the site will facilitate the transport of raw materials via water, reducing reliance on road transportation and helping minimize the plant’s carbon footprint. According to Yves Dusart, the mayor of Saint-Saulve, the site has a rich industrial history, and this new project seeks to bring it into the future—no longer associated with the heavy industry of the past but rather focused on sustainable energy solutions³.
Hundreds of Jobs to Be Created
As a major industrial undertaking, the plant will create approximately 400 direct jobs, with an additional 200 jobs in support roles. These positions will range from production operators and technicians to logistics staff and quality control specialists. The plant will run on a three-shift schedule, ensuring continuous production to meet the growing demand for batteries.
The recruitment process will begin in 2026, making this a long-term project that will provide substantial employment opportunities in the region. With competition in the global battery market heating up, the facility’s ability to produce high-quality materials efficiently and at scale will be crucial to France’s competitiveness.
A Seveso-Classified Site with Minimal Impact
Given the nature of the materials being handled, including sensitive substances like nickel, cobalt, and lithium, the plant will be classified under the Seveso directive, which is designed to prevent major industrial accidents. While this classification means stringent safety protocols will be in place, early environmental impact assessments have shown no significant risk of noise pollution or harmful odors from the site. The plant will be located more than 800 meters from the nearest residential areas, and the potential impact on traffic remains the only concern to be addressed as construction progresses⁴.
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A Franco-Chinese Partnership with High Stakes
Axens has partnered with Minmetals New Energy Materials, a Chinese group specializing in battery production materials. This collaboration emphasizes the geopolitical aspects of the project, as Europe’s push for industrial autonomy meets its reliance on key materials from Asia. The electrical grid connection for the plant will be managed by RTE, the French transmission system operator, ensuring a stable power supply to fuel the plant’s operations.
Public Consultation: A Chance for Local Involvement
The public consultation process, managed by the National Commission for Public Debate, is a crucial part of the project’s development. By involving local residents and stakeholders, Axens hopes to foster transparency and address any concerns regarding the plant’s environmental and social impact. This dialogue will help bridge the gap between industry and local communities, particularly in a region that has experienced its fair share of industrial decline over the years.
The Rise of the Battery Industry in France
The plant in Saint-Saulve is just one example of the growing momentum behind the battery industry in France and Europe. In addition to this new facility, the “Battery Valley” in northern France is home to several large factories, including the AESC gigafactory in Douai, which is set to produce between 24 and 30 GWh by 2030. This push is part of Europe’s larger strategy to reduce its dependence on Asian imports and secure a stable, sustainable supply of raw materials and finished products for the growing electric vehicle market.
In line with these efforts, the European Union has launched a €1.8 billion action plan to enhance the security of the supply chain for critical raw materials, further accelerating the growth of Europe’s battery sector. With support from European institutions and a focus on the circular economy, the battery industry is poised to become a significant player in the energy transition.
As the world transitions towards electric mobility, France is working hard to catch up and play a leading role in this new industrial era. With a strong commitment to sustainability, job creation, and technological innovation, the new battery production plant in Saint-Saulve is just the beginning of a promising future for France in the global energy landscape.
Sources:
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“France’s Battery Production Push: Strategic Investment in Saint-Saulve.” https://www.axens.net/resources-events/news/axens-exclusive-negotiations-acquire-land-saint-saulve-59-construction-its
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“Action Plan for Critical Raw Materials in Europe.” https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1542
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“France’s Battery Valley: Strengthening the EV Supply Chain.” https://www.eib.org/en/projects/all/20220168
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“Seveso Directives and Industrial Safety.” https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/industrial-emissions-and-safety/industrial-accidents_en