TAIPEI (TVBS News) — ProLogium, a leader in lithium ceramic battery technology, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Schneider Electric, a top firm in automated mass production solutions in Paris on Tuesday (May 14). The MOU allows ProLogium to utilize Schneider Electric's extensive automation expertise to build its smart gigafactory in Dunkirk, France.
The agreement was inked by ProLogium's founder and chairman, Vincent Yang, and Laurent Bataille, executive vice president of Schneider Electric France, in the presence of French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete. This partnership is set to boost next-generation battery solutions throughout Europe, reflecting ProLogium's dedication to innovation and sustainable growth.
Schneider Electric, a pioneer in industrial digitization and automation with operations in over 100 countries, has supported numerous top energy companies in developing smart factories. These collaborations have helped meet sustainability and mass production targets.
"Over the past year, preparatory tasks for the Dunkirk gigafactory have proceeded smoothly, and the inauguration of our giga-level demonstration line in Taiwan marks our transition from the laboratory to mass production, demonstrating our scalability," Yang added.
In January 2024, ProLogium launched the world's first giga-level lithium ceramic battery demonstration line in Taoyuan, Taiwan. This move showcased its mass production capabilities and set a precedent for the planned Dunkirk gigafactory. The partnership aims to achieve mass production goals while fostering an eco-friendly production line, marking a significant step in lithium ceramic batteries’ commercialization.
The collaborative effort will implement major workflow processes such as power distribution systems, smart manufacturing, and carbon footprint management. Concept verification is set to start in the second half of 2024, with plans to finalize the automated manufacturing system before groundbreaking.
Vergriete highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating it underscores France's commitment to a decarbonized industry. Yang emphasized the synergy between Taiwanese technological strengths and French industrial capabilities, aiming to enhance the "Battery Valley" and transform transportation energy.
Bataille noted the agreement reflects a shared vision for a sustainable and resilient future, emphasizing innovation and electrification's role in France's green re-industrialization strategy.
The Dunkirk gigafactory's initial preparations are advancing, with public consultations and architectural concept designs completed in 2023. Environmental assessments and construction permit procedures are ongoing, and the site is currently being prepared for groundbreaking, expected by late 2026 or early 2027. By 2030, the factory is projected to offer about 3,000 direct jobs in the region.
Calvin Hsieh, vice president of EU Manufacturing Center at ProLogium Group, expressed gratitude for the local government and partners' support, highlighting the ongoing efforts to optimize the factory's energy and production processes in collaboration with Schneider Electric.
