AESC France has received European Union approval for €48 million ($50 million) in state aid to support the establishment of a new lithium-ion battery factory for electric vehicles in Douai, northern France.
The approval, granted on Friday, is part of a broader effort to bolster the region’s competitiveness in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Raj Shah, Chief Communications Officer at AESC, expressed his gratitude for the decision, stating, “We are grateful for this decision and look forward to starting production in Douai later this year.” The factory is expected to create approximately 1,000 direct jobs, contributing to the European Union’s push to strengthen its automotive sector and compete with Chinese and U.S. manufacturers.
The European Commission highlighted that the aid is aligned with Europe’s strategic and green objectives, aiming to support the transition to sustainable industries.
The Douai project is also a key element of Renault’s plans to expand its electric vehicle operations, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the sector’s growth in Europe.