July 6, 2026
Energy, Industry, and Skills: The Major Challenges of Industrial Transformation in the Hauts-de-France Region
In an interview published by La Voix du Nord, Dominique Néel, Deputy CEO of Equans France, shared his analysis of the transformations that are currently reshaping the industrial landscape of the Hauts-de-France region.
As a historically industrial region, Hauts-de-France continues to transform in response to new challenges: the electrification of manufacturing processes, the development of energy infrastructure, the establishment of gigafactories, the growth of data centers, and the acceleration of digital adoption.
To keep pace with these changes, manufacturers must continuously invest to adapt their production tools, improve their energy efficiency, and integrate increasingly innovative technologies.
As a major player in the energy, industrial, and digital transitions, Equans leverages its expertise across the entire value chain: design, construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure. The group thus supports local governments, healthcare providers, manufacturers, and energy producers in their transformation projects.
These changes also involve significant human challenges. The evolution of professions and the rise of digital technology and artificial intelligence are increasing the need for skills and training to prepare the talent of tomorrow.
The full interview with Dominique Néel on the La Voix du Nord website: Data centers, gigafactories, AI: Will the Hauts-de-France region run out of electricity? Equans responds - La Voix du Nord