AESC marked the start of production at its new gigafactory in Douai, France. The ceremony was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, underscoring the site’s role in supporting France’s shift toward sustainable mobility. Financial backing for the facility came from key French and European institutions, including Bpifrance, the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, the European Investment Bank, and a consortium of commercial banks.
With an annual capacity of 10 gigawatt-hours, the Douai plant currently supplies advanced traction batteries to Renault, enough to power up to 200,000 electric vehicles per year. The factory has created 650 jobs to date, with staffing expected to rise to 1,000 once full production is reached. The site’s manufacturing process is powered entirely by clean electricity and integrates electrode fabrication, cell assembly, and module integration under one roof.
Emannuel Macron, President of France, said: “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. It will transform the lives of an entire region—its employees, their families, and the wider community. I applaud the dedication of our partners, local authorities, and all those clear-sighted optimists who, like me, believe in France’s capacity to lead. Together, we are shaping an industry that will strengthen Douai, uplift the region, and contribute to a more sovereign and prosperous Nation.”
Lei Zhang, Chairman of AESC, commented: “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.”
To support long-term growth, AESC has launched recruitment initiatives in partnership with regional educational institutions and employment agencies. The company plans to continue scaling its operations in Europe while maintaining investments in research and development of next-generation battery systems.
About AESC
AESC is a global provider of lithium-ion battery and energy storage technologies for electric vehicles and stationary storage applications. Headquartered in Japan, the company operates manufacturing and development facilities across Europe, North America, and Asia, delivering high-performance, zero-emission battery solutions.
Source: AESC Group
