A new project that revolves around batteries for electric cars, 1,700 jobs are at risk

After Taiwan, China. The Chinese XTC and French Orano groups will invest 1.5 billion euros and must create 1,700 jobs at a site linked to lithium batteries in the country. Dunkirkin the North, announced, this Friday, the the president Emmanuel Macronto visit

“We have signed with XTC and Orano the production of cathode materials for lithium batteries”, he noted during this trip. This announcement comes a few hours after formalizing the installation of a battery plant for electric cars in Dunkirk, the fourth in Hauts-de-France, that of the Taiwan ProLogium group.

“Additions” to the Prologium factory

Contacted by AFP, the management of Orano indicated that they will communicate about this issue during the summit of Choose France, intended to attract foreign projects, the 6th edition of which is scheduled for Monday in Versailles.

XTC New Energy Materials specializes in the manufacture of lithium battery components used primarily for electric vehicles. Emmanuel Macron met with its director general, Jiang Long, in Canton, during his visit to China last April.

The joint venture between XTC and Orano is presented by the Head of State as “perfect” for the Prologium factory, because it will interfere with the “stream” of the production of electric batteries. According to a source familiar with the matter, it will be established in the port of Dunkirk, like the ProLogium factory – whose investment reaches 5.2 billion euros by 2030 -, and 3,000 important jobs planned in the factory and 12,000 indirect jobs are expected. by district.

“More than 20,000 new jobs”

“Before the end of this decade, we will have more than 20,000 new jobs in the valley of Dunkirk, promises Emmanuel Macron. We will put a package on skills and training, it is the mother of war. »

In addition to Prologium, three other factories are being created in France, both in Nord and Pas-de-Calais. The first, built by ACC (a joint venture between Stellantis, TotalEnergies and Mercedes-Benz), is expected to open soon in Douvrin near Lens, in the Pas-de-Calais.

The factory of the Sino-Japanese group AESC-Envision must produce battery for Renault in Douai, North, from the beginning of 2025, then Verkor’s third Grenoble startup site must be established in Dunkirk from mid-2025, also with Renault as its main customer.

20 minutes by AFP