The European Commission has approved €1.5bn under EU State aid rules for ProLogium Technology’s project developing next-generation solid-state batteries for electric vehicles.
The funding will enable ProLogium’s ‘Prometheus’ research and development project to pioneer advanced solid-state batteries for electric vehicles and establish a 48 GWh gigafactory in Dunkirk, France.
Investment in the electric vehicle battery plant and technology has reached €5.2bn, with the EU funding covering Prometheus’ research and development until 2029. The project will help to drive the EU battery strategy.
The technical results of the project will be shared by ProLogium, which will collaborate with local industry, academia and customers based on Fair, Reasonable and Non-discriminatory (RAND) conditions and mutual benefits to advance batteries for electric vehicles across the industry.
Commenting on the development, Vincent Yang, Founder and CEO of ProLogium, said: “The team at ProLogium is thrilled to receive this good news from the European Commission.
“Over the course of an extensive year-long review, our expansion plan, technology, and manufacturing capabilities underwent strict scrutiny by experts.
“The approval of this substantial grant is a testament to ProLogium’s potential contribution to achieving Net Zero in France and Europe, as well as the value of our innovative solutions.
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the EU and French governments for their unwavering trust and support.
“This grant will serve as a powerful financial backing for ProLogium’s Gigafactory project, empowering us to make steady progress in Dunkirk towards our goal: implementing local supply and manufacturing for European OEM customers.”
How will Prometheus advance batteries for electric vehicles?
The Prometheus project will advance batteries for electric vehicles by developing ‘first generation’ solid-state batteries that overcome some of the limitations of their lithium-ion counterparts.
The project will also create ‘second generation’ solid-state batteries for electric vehicles with enhanced density and sustainability.
Furthering this sustainability endeavour, Prometheus will innovate recycling techniques for solid-state batteries and battery components and contribute to developing recycling standards for the industry.
Prometheus will provide a significant boost to the economy
By establishing the leading gigafactory in Dunkirk, the project will not only accelerate global battery development but bring a host of economic benefits to France and the EU.
Gilles Normand, President of ProLogium Europe, explained: “ProLogium’s investment in the region is substantial, and its impact will be long-lasting.
“The gigafactory will not only create 3,000 jobs but also establish a comprehensive research and development ecosystem.
“This project promises significant economic benefits, strengthening both French and European economic sovereignty while driving the transition towards a greener industry.”
The project’s next stage is the launch of the public consultation process under the guidance of the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP).
Gigafactory construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2024 and is expected to be operational at the end of 2026.
