Reindustrialization and Gigafactories
Reindustrialization and Gigafactories
Toward reindustrialization… and beyond!
In its Sixth Assessment Report published on March 20, 2023, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sounds the alarm: global warming is expected to reach 1.5°C as early as the beginning of the 2030s.
To prevent a greater rise in temperature—which would lead to extreme weather events— it goes without saying that drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions is imperative. The mobility sector has an important role to play in this energy transition. Europe has, in fact, taken up the cause by mandating the phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles starting in 2035.
In France, the government has announced its goal of producing 2 million electric vehicles by 2030, in line with its commitment to accelerate the country’s reindustrialization. Given that French industry accounted for only 11.5% of GDP in the 2000s, the challenge ahead looks to be a major one.
The industry is, in fact, one of the key drivers for creating sustainable economic growth and maintaining our sovereignty in this area. Electric vehicles could therefore well become one of the driving forces behind reindustrialization, along with the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries.
On one condition: boosting the production of these batteries, which account for 30 to 40% of an electric vehicle’s price. So far, Asia has been the near-exclusive producer, supplying 95% of the European market.
To increase driving range and help meet the carbon neutrality goal set for 2050, Europe aims to foster a new industry by supporting the creation of a “battery Airbus.” For its part, France has embarked on the creation of a “Battery Valley” in the Hauts-de-France region. It will be home to mega-factories, or gigafactories, covering an area equivalent to… at least 20 soccer fields.
Equans stands alongside these players in this movement toward reindustrialization and environmental transition. The company is already supporting manufacturers in the design and implementation of these battery plant projects, serving three key objectives: industrial, energy, and digital.
Unique expertise
Thanks to its unique expertise in the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of multi-technical facilities, as well as its deep, specialized knowledge of the European gigafactory market, Equans is now the only design-build firm capable of managing all technical aspects of a mega-factory or GigaFab.
For more than twenty-five years, Equans France has been designing and building cleanrooms and anhydrous facilities, which are distinguished by their extreme complexity and the highly technical expertise they require.
Equans works with a diverse range of clients, from Asian companies looking to establish a presence in Europe, to startups drawn to the innovation in this growing market, to long-standing players in niche battery markets expanding their operations into the electric vehicle market.
This wave of new investments is contributing to the trend toward reindustrialization and environmental transition.
THE ELECTRIC CAR MARKET*
* International Energy Agency (IEA), EV Outlook 2023 Report
An international company with deep historical roots
As a global leader in the energy and services sector, the Equans Group operates in 20 countries. This Bouygues Group company employs 88,000 people across five continents and generates annual revenue of more than 18.8 billion euros. Its main clients are major players in three sectors: the public and private service sectors, industry (including transportation), and cities and regions.
The 34,500 employees of its subsidiary in France operate in nearly 30 countries across more than 700 offices, generating annual revenue of more than 7.1 billion euros.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF A MAJOR GROUP
Founded in June 2021, Equans comprises more than 80 brands across 20 countries, the oldest of which was established in 1834. A strong group, driven by a spirit of innovation and a commitment to supporting its customers through their energy, industrial, and digital transitions.
EQUANS FRANCE'S RANGE OF SERVICES
From financing to performance contracts, including design, construction, maintenance, and operations, Equans France offers seven key areas of expertise:
What about tomorrow?
For Equans to fully leverage its expertise, resources, and capabilities, its teams of experts must be brought in as early as possible in gigafactory projects. Taking a holistic view would help ensure a project that is optimized in every respect. The company also states that it is committed to applying its expertise in other industries, such as hydrogen and innovative foods.
To achieve its current and future ambitions, Equans is seeking to attract new talent. People interested in working on highly technical projects of all sizes, both in France and internationally: design engineers, project managers, schedulers, contract managers, site supervisors, and managers in procurement, cost control, quality, and QHSE are just some of the profiles the company is seeking.
According to Bilel Kaabeche, “gigafactory projects open up new career paths, so we’re looking for responsible, professional individuals who are eager to embark on an adventure that’s just getting started.” New hires will have the opportunity to see the projects they design come to fruition in a very short time.
So, this is a call to anyone who is drawn to the idea of contributing to the new era on the horizon: two years of work at a gigafactory is equivalent to gaining five to six years of experience in another industry. A true career accelerator in a world waiting to be discovered and explored—one that is far from having revealed all its secrets.
OUR NEWS
Our approach to recruiting? Combining simplicity and flexibility
Would you like to play an active role in the upcoming energy, industrial, and digital transitions? Join our team, all of whom are committed to decarbonizing our clients’ production, digitizing their production processes, and reindustrializing regions.
Whether you’re just starting your career or already have more experience, our recruitment process is designed to be agile and flexible. Here, there are no complicated processes.
We’re committed to making your application process as simple as possible. Our recruitment portal allows you to apply for our job openings quickly and easily. If you have any questions, our ambassadors are here to help. For any other inquiries, our teams are available to assist you.
