TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — France is attracting foreign battery makers, including Taiwan’s ProLogium, as it aims to boost energy security, Nikkei Asia reported Wednesday.
The shift comes after Europe’s attempts to build its own battery champions faltered, prompting Paris to focus on drawing global players to strengthen supply chains and economic security.
ProLogium Technology broke ground in February on a new factory in Dunkirk. The project has secured about NT$55.54 billion (US$1.74 billion) in government subsidies and is expected to begin operations by late 2028.
The plant is set to create around 3,000 jobs and marks a major step in France’s push to build a competitive battery industry. ProLogium specializes in next-generation solid-state batteries, which promise improved safety, longer range, and faster charging.
ProLogium Founder and CEO Vincent Yang (楊思枬) said the decision to invest in France was driven in part by strong support from President Emmanuel Macron. The company had also considered the US and other locations before choosing France.
French officials say generous subsidies and policy support have made the country more attractive to foreign investors. The funding package, approved by the EU, covers about 30% of the project’s total cost.
France’s strategy reflects broader concerns over reliance on China. Chinese companies dominate more than 80% of the global EV battery market, while Europe holds only a small share.
Supply risks have become more visible after China imposed export restrictions on rare earth materials, disrupting manufacturers in Europe and Japan. Policymakers increasingly view industrial capacity as a matter of national security.
Earlier efforts to build domestic champions struggled. Swedish battery maker Northvolt and the UK’s Britishvolt both faced setbacks, highlighting the challenges of competing with established Chinese players.
In response, France has shifted toward attracting domestic and international companies. Northern France has emerged as a hub for battery investment, earning the nickname “Battery Valley.”
The EU is also stepping up support for strategic industries. A new industrial policy framework aims to boost local production, encourage technology transfer, and reduce dependence on external suppliers.
Beyond batteries, the policy targets sectors such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and critical minerals. The goal is to build a more resilient supply chain while expanding recycling to secure key materials.
