The Ministry of the Economy reaffirms its support for a sustainable industry
On November 14th, following the announcement of €1.55 billion in support for the decarbonization of industry as part of the 2025 budget, Antoine Armand, Minister of the Economy, accompanied by Marc Ferracci, Minister of Industry, and Olga Givernet, Minister of Energy, visited Fos-sur-Mer, one of the largest industrial zones in the country.
Three priorities for a sustainable industry
During this visit, the government reaffirmed three key strategic priorities to address industrial and climate challenges:
- Modernize production methods.
- Strengthen energy sovereignty.
- Address climate challenges.
👉 These goals are central to CARBON’s project to build the European leader in the solar industry.
CARBON, a key player in industrial and energy transition
During this visit, Pierre-Emmanuel Martin, President of CARBON, presented the company’s ambitious project for the revival of the photovoltaic sector in Europe. He outlined the industrial structure of the project, based on three main pillars:
- A 5 GWc gigafactory in Fos-sur-Mer (13), integrating all stages of manufacturing and scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
- A 500 MWc module production unit at Photowatt in Bourgoin-Jallieu (38), which will serve as the first phase of the industrial project, set to begin operations by the end of 2025.
- An innovation and excellence center, CARBON Lab, in Istres (13), which will host R&D and training activities starting in 2027.
This project aligns with efforts to strengthen energy sovereignty and support the transition to renewable energy. Pierre-Emmanuel Martin also expressed his gratitude to the elected officials and partners who have supported the project from the outset, including Christophe Castaner, Christophe Mirmand, Isabelle Campagnola Savon, Régis Passerieux, René Raimondi, and partners like PIICTO, UIMM, GMIF, and Upe 13.
Progress on the Fos-sur-Mer gigafactory project
The Fos-sur-Mer gigafactory project has made significant strides over the past 18 months:
- Successful public debate: After six months of consultation with the five affected municipalities, the project received a favorable opinion from the CNDP (National Commission for Public Debate).
- National recognition: The CARBON project was designated a Major National Interest Project by decree on July 3, 2024.
- Construction authorization: The necessary authorizations for the 270,000 m² site at GPMM are expected to be granted by January 2025, allowing construction to begin in the first half of 2025.
- Environmental commitment: The project received a favorable opinion from the National Commission for the Protection of Nature, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.