Taiwan-based ProLogium, a developer and manufacturer of next-generation EV solid-state battery solutions selected France as the location for its first large-scale solid-state battery manufacturing plant outside Asia. The European Commission has now given a green light to a €1.5-billion grant from the French government to support ProLogium’s project. (Earlier post.)

The grant from the French government, approved by the European Commission under the European framework for State aid for research, development, and innovation (RDIF), will serve as robust backing for ProLogium’s project in researching and developing a new generation of batteries for electric vehicles and to set up a 48 GWh gigafactory in Dunkirk, France.

Total gigafactory investment is projected to be €5.2 billion. ProLogium will receive the €1.5 billion grant according to different milestones until 2029. ProLogium will share the technical results gained through the project and collaborate with local industry, academia and customers based on FRAND (Fair, Reasonable and Non-discriminatory) conditions and mutual benefits.

ProLogium was allowed to be involved in the IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest) on Batteries on December 2022 and will pursue its collaborations with direct partners in this IPCEI.

The next step for ProLogium is the launch of the public consultation process under the aegis of the CNDP, which will begin in September 2023. Construction of the gigafactory is set to begin in the second half of 2024, with production estimated to start by the end of 2026.

ProLogium is actively scouting locations for its R&D center. As part of its expansion, ProLogium will initiate the recruitment process, seeking talented professionals to spearhead these projects.