ProLogium chose France from its two other contenders – Germany and the Netherlands – in a race to install its first solid-state battery gigafactory outside of its home in Taiwan. Analysts said European overreliance on Asian batteries made competition steep, as countries offered ProLogium attractive incentives for a project amounting to more than €5.2 billion ($5.6 billion).
Inexpensive zero-carbon electricity via nuclear and offshore projects was a significant highlight for the Taiwanese manufacturer to deploy on French land, the company said. The 48GWh factory will be built in Dunkirk, close to northern European automotive manufacturing plants and the international shipping network.
Reuters reported that French President Emmanuel Macron announced his government would offer a new tax credit. It is worth up to 40% of a company’s capital investment in battery and renewable energy projects.
With ProLogium extending its hand into more regions of the world, it will be faster and less expensive for European car makers to obtain batteries.
On France’s efforts in the battery sector, Faraday Institution trustee Isobel Sheldon said on LinkedIn: “Take note of the involvement of the president of France participating personally in the initiative with ProLogium, quantitative incentive capital support, relaxing state aid rules, sensible tax credits for vehicle purchases, competitive power costs. A masterclass in attracting a high technology energy transition company…”
