When Renault’s three manufacturing plants in northern France – Douai and Ruitz – come together to create the largest and most competitive EV production facility in Europe This is an overview of a new leading facility within the Group’s industrial ecosystem this industrial complex is now the nerve center of Ampere the Group's entity dedicated to electric vehicles the aim of this consolidation is also to bring together a complete ecosystem of suppliers in close proximity in order to innovate and reduce numerous costs for increased competitiveness where three plants have shared the same passion for the past 50 years: automotives millions of iconic cars and gearboxes from throughout Renault’s history have rolled out their factory doors Renault Group is placing France at the heart of its electric strategy With best practices being shared across sites a non-negotiable red line built around ‘Made in France’ everything is geared towards ensuring a high-level competitive edge.  the objective is becoming a reality: the two new models manufactured in Douai - Renault 5 E-Tech electric and Scénic E-Tech electric - have received the 'Origine France Garantie' certification* awarded by Bureau Veritas. *(a certification granted to products whose final assembly is carried out in France and for which at least 50% of the unit production cost The three Ampere ElectriCity plants in Douai Maubeuge and Ruitz are historic Group sites now dedicated to the electric future of mobility The Cléon plant supplies these sites with engines the Douai plant has been manufacturing its first electric vehicle The 100% electric range was later expanded to include the Scénic E-Tech and Renault 5 E-Tech The battery assembly workshop created within the factory assembles the necessary batteries on-site More than 550 million euros have been invested in the workshops to accommodate the electric versions and ensure optimal ergonomics at the workstations.  has manufactured three generations of the Kangoo including the first electric Kangoo launched in 2011 a pioneer and leader in the electric van segment in Europe since its launch The site also produces commercial vehicles for Daimler (Mercedes Citan) and the Nissan Townstar these models have also been produced in electric versions.  including the DB35 installed across the entire E-Tech range with future production of battery trays (housings containing the battery modules) for electric vehicles manufactured in France a memorandum of understanding for the creation of a joint venture between Renault Group and Minth Group was signed in June 2022.  The Cléon plant manufactures very high-performance electrical and mechanical components. Since 2015, it has produced the electric powertrain for the Renault ZOE, Twingo E-Tech Electric, Kangoo E-Tech Electric, and Master E-Tech Electric. On July 5, 2022, a new electric motor production line the plant will reach a production capacity of over 1 million electrified engines per year including 500,000 electric motors and 510,000 hybrid motors.  French start-up Verkor will work with Renault Group to co-develop high-performance and low-carbon batteries, with production starting in Dunkirk in 2025. More information Minth Group, one of the world's leading automotive suppliers, has signed a memorandum of understanding for the creation of a joint venture to produce battery trays at the Ruitz factory. More information In Hauts-de-France, working for Renault is something to be worn with pride. The Group has been a local name for half a century. Be it in Douai, Maubeuge, or Ruitz, generations of men and women have built up the success and reputation of the factories in which they work. Deeply rooted in the local fabric, Renault Group stands out as the region’s largest automotive employer. With this rapid industrial transformation, Renault Group is contributing to the employment pool.  Ampere ElectriCity is also the story of bringing together an entire ecosystem of research centres, universities, and start-ups to ramp up research and development of innovative technological EV solutions and services, and to train manufacturing teams.  Located in the heart of Europe, at the crossroads between supply and demand, Ampere ElectriCity has everything it needs to become the continent’s leading hub of EV know-how and production across the entire manufacturing value chain.  The Musée de la Chartreuse in Douai announces that it has discovered what the institution says is an unpublished painting by Lavinia Fontana (Bologna one of the greatest painters of the 16th century The discovery came as part of a program to study and restore the collection of Italian paintings that the museum launched in 2024 with a view to relocating them called “Seicento,” is based on the advice of a scientific committee of specialists.The work was noticed by the scholar Philippe Costamagna curator of the Fragonard Museums in Grasse and an eminent specialist in Florentine Mannerism world-renowned for his “eye” (i.e. on which he has also written a successful book): it is a Portrait of a Gentleman His Daughter and a Maid that was in the museum’s storage rooms was bequeathed to the Douai museum in 1857 by Dr It has since been inventoried under the name Pieter Jansz This painting depicts a father dressed in black also wearing a ruff and dressed in the same color a maid slides aside a curtain to place a basket of fruit Philippe Costamagna formally recognized Lavinia Fontana’s brush in this work which needs restoration in order to be permanently integrated into the permanent collections of the Chartreuse Museum is unparalleled in France: works by the Bolognese artist are in fact quite rare in French public collections The Louvre owns only one Holy Family (INV 383) whose attribution is controversial (sometimes attributed to Lavinia’s father The Blois Castle Museum possesses the famous portrait of Antoinette Gonzalez and Rouen hold individual portraits or religious or mythological scenes The painting in the Chartreuse Museum in Douai would be the only group portrait of Lavinia Fontana preserved in France Lavinia Fontana grew up in a cultured environment and learned to paint from her father Prospero she also painted large altarpieces and small devotional paintings Married in 1577 to the painter Gian Paolo Zappi she received commissions from Popes Gregory XIII and Clement VIII and for the royal monastery of El Escorial in Spain she was the first painter elected to the Accademia di San Luca A significant discovery therefore by the French museum You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed Supporting the construction of AESC’s lithium-ion battery gigafactory to expand the company’s manufacturing base in Europe Main capabilities: controls and performance In 2021, AESC and Renault announced a partnership to design and produce EV batteries. This is following the carmaker’s announcement to bring its facilities to northern France (Douai, Maubeuge and Ruitz) in order to produce 400,000 EV’s per year. Once operational, this facility will allow AESC to expand its European manufacturing base following the development of their Sunderland battery factory for Nissan in the UK supply batteries for the new all-electric Renault 5 due to launch in 2024 with a capacity of 9GWh the project has an ambitious timeline to meet this launch When fully developed across three future phases the project will have a capacity in excess of 30 GWh The new AESC plant will comprise all phases of electrode, cell and battery module production and assembly. The project is significant because of its sheer size and scale. The first phase is being constructed on a 20ha plot, with the possibility of expanding to 60ha as the factory hits full capacity. Phase 1 will see construction of 175,000 m2 in surface providing production, logistics and office areas Applying our in-house local and global cost data allowed us to produce early estimates benchmarked against similar global facilities Through our local teams and our presence in France we were able to outline the local market singularities We were also able to analyse the most adapted delivery methods and contractual frameworks providing AESC with a strong support in their approach to the local construction market The project is estimated to create about 1,200 jobs when operational in 2024 and this will potentially reach 3,000 when the factory is fully developed created between AESC and several regional stakeholders will support the employment of the local community and the development of technical know-how This project will make a significant contribution to decarbonisation in the transport space It supports the European Union’s target to reduce CO2 emissions in new cars by 55 percent (through banning the use of internal combustion engines in 2040) and a net-zero approach to all ground transports by 2050 AESC battery factory is a landmark project in the emerging ‘battery valley’ that is taking shape in the northern France region placing France at the forefront of the innovation and supply capacity in the sector across Europe This financial boost will help Envision AESC France establish a cutting-edge battery plant in Douai The initiative is set to drive job creation and accelerate Europe’s transition towards a sustainable future France is taking decisive action to strengthen its EV infrastructure by supporting the first phase of a battery plant capable of producing 9 GWh annually This direct grant will fuel the construction and launch of the state-of-the-art facility creating around 1,000 direct jobs and even more indirect employment opportunities Strategically positioned in Hauts-de-France the plant is designed to be fully carbon-neutral reinforcing the EU’s commitment to sustainability and industrial growth in developing regions The new battery plant emerges as a cornerstone of a strategic alliance between French automaker Renault and Chinese powerhouse Envision This joint venture will establish a large-scale production hub in Douai adjacent to Renault’s Georges Besse factory The facility will manufacture high-performance lithium-ion batteries specifically designed for Renault’s next-generation electric models the plant will deliver 9 GWh of battery capacity per year its full potential extends far beyond this with the possibility of expansion to 30 GWh by 2030 This could lead to the addition of multiple production units reinforcing France’s position as a leading player in Europe’s EV battery sector The battery plant will incorporate three advanced production stages: the facility’s production capabilities may also support renewable energy initiatives enabling efficient wind and solar power storage The expansion of battery plant production across Europe is vital to reducing dependency on foreign suppliers ensuring a localised battery supply chain is critical for meeting stringent EU sustainability targets and securing long-term energy stability Key benefits of domestic battery manufacturing include: The Envision AESC France project in Douai represents a crucial step in achieving these objectives ensuring Europe remains at the cutting edge of clean energy technology The approval of this landmark €48m investment underscores Europe’s commitment to a greener and more self-reliant future projects like the Douai battery plant will be instrumental in shaping the landscape of sustainable transportation With scalable production capabilities and strategic expansion plans, France is poised to become a leading hub in the European EV battery supply chain Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Innovation News Network brings you the latest research and innovation news from the fields of science Disclaimer: This website is an independent portal and is not responsible for the content of external sites.Please Note: Phone calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes.© Pan European Networks Ltd The Japanese battery cell manufacturer AESC has received important news for the construction of its factory near the Renault plant in Douai in northern France: The EU Commission has approved a grant of 48 million euros from the French government Following the approval under EU State aid rules the EU Commission has now decided that the funding is legitimate as the measure is intended to contribute to the realisation of the EU’s strategic objectives in terms of job creation regional development and the environmentally friendly conversion of the regional economy which is granted in the form of a direct subsidy The project will create around 1,000 direct and other indirect jobs About the project itself: AESC plans to build lithium-ion cells and battery modules for Renault in the new battery cell factory from March 2025 and is targeting an annual capacity of 9 GWh at the start the capacity is expected to grow to 24 to 30 GWh The battery cells will initially be used for the all-electric Renault R5 The battery factory in Douai is part of the Renault ElectriCity eMobility industrial cluster announced in 2021 The electric car activities of the Renault plants in Douai Maubeuge and Ruitz in northern France will be bundled under this umbrella company 400,000 vehicles per year are to be built there Renault intends to source NMC cells with a more affordable cell chemistry for volume vehicles from the battery factory in Douai The performance cells will continue to be supplied by long-standing battery partner LG Energy Solution According to earlier information, a total of 1.3 billion euros is to be invested in the AESC site. In 2023, the European Investment Bank (EIB) granted loans totalling 450 million euros for the project AESC is headquartered in Japan and was founded in 2007 as a joint venture between three Japanese companies As the focus of the Automotive Energy Supply Company (AESC) was on electric vehicles from the outset Nissan was the largest shareholder with a 51 per cent stake the Chinese company Envision acquired a majority stake in AESC ec.europa.eu I agree with the Privacy policy electrive has been following the development of electric mobility with journalistic passion and expertise since 2013 we offer comprehensive coverage of the highest quality — as a central platform for the rapid development of this technology The expected tariff cost is significantly lower than the $4 billion to $5 billion crosstown rival General Motors estimates which Ford attributes to its higher mix of U.S.-built vehicles France notified the Commission of its plans to support Envision AESC France in setting up the first phase of a new factory in Douai The plant will produce Lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles with an annual capacity of 9 GWh in this first phase The aid – which will take the form of a direct grant –will amount to EUR 48 million and the project is set to create approximately 1,000 direct jobs were delighted to accept the Solemn Profession of Brother Aidan Messenger In a solemn sung Mass attended by his family and friends together with monks from other Benedictine monasteries in England and many of his fellow students from Blackfriars Brother Aidan professed the traditional Benedictine vows of Stability Abbot Paul Gunter received Brother Aidan's vows pronounced the special blessing for profession and welcomed Brother Aidan as a full member of the Community Brother Aidan comes from Basingstoke and becomes the first monk in the history of the monastery since the arrival of the monks in England in 1903 to have lived so locally when the Community lived in Paris from their foundation in 1615 one monk is said to have come from the village of Beenham less than a mile from the Abbey's present location Douai Abbey is the home for 13 resident monks; nine other monks live on parishes in the Midlands and the North of England The monks are responsible for the Catholics living in the area with churches at Pangbourne and Theale as well as the Abbey Church itself One of the main activities of the monks is the ministry of hospitality to guests from far and wide Brother Aidan said: ''I sense that this is the place where God has called me to be.'' Tags: Douai Abbey, Brother Aidan Messenger, Blackfriars, Benedictine Community of the Passion gather at Douai Abbey CAPS to hold milestone conference at Douai Abbey Missionary sister pays tribute to her cousin Filipino Bishop in UK calling banks to stop financing fossil fuels We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community As our audience increases - so do our costs You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN Lithium Fluoride Market Analysis: Industry Market Size Copyright © ChemAnalyst - 2020 | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy The Renault Group Art Collection is more than 50 years old An avant-garde story started in 1967 by inviting contemporary artists into the heart of the company To build bridges between the automotive industry and contemporary art Renault Group takes it one step further with the creation of the Renault Endowment Fund for Art and Culture to secure and protect the existing collection and to enhance it with new contemporary artists One of the first creations was born through a collaboration with the British street artist Dan Rawlings and the Renault 5 E-Tech electric Go behind the scenes to discover this sculptor’s meticulous metallic interlacing technique at the heart of this unique work of art walked through the doors of a workshop and discovered a new look That of an iconic car reinvented by Renault: Renault 5 E-Tech electric This atypical collaborator is Dan Rawlings the famous British artist known for his delicate work of metal lace cutouts inspired by nature the artist worked in residence in Douai to create two unpublished poetic works from Renault 5 E-Tech electric and a historic Renault 5 painting and reassembly of the elements of the vehicle are many of the meticulous steps from which emotion can spring All the works of Dan Rawlings have one thing in common: nature Inspired by the vegetation around the industrial site of Douai the artist composed the metal cutting structure of "his" Renault 5 E-Tech electric in the form of intertwined brambles PreviousNextThis is my first time working with a new vehicle model I had never disassembled an electric vehicle before or worked in an industrial site like Douai I found it particularly interesting to make these symbolic brambles run around the structure of the car as if nature took back its rights on matter in an optimistic impulse and that we had to protect it I really appreciated the help of the teams on site A unique experience that I will remember for a long time After a stage of preparatory drawings on the surfaces of the bare body of the vehicle Dan Rawlings carved with plasma a whole lace of vegetable shapes in the doors A poetic evocation that amazed the eyes of Douai’s collaborators alongside the artist Bodyshop production manager at Ampere ElectriCity explains “The artist’s studio was set up in the Bodyshop Department right next to the production line of our Renault 5 E-Tech electric He was made a body on which he could draw the patterns before sculpting them.” a short trip to the painting studio to add the specific yellow hue and highlight the cut patterns A unique experience for both the artist and the employees of Douai It is not often that a vehicle produced in Douai is transformed by an artist To be able to paint the car after the cutouts made by Dan Rawlings in the different rooms it was necessary to bring this new vehicle into our retouching paintshop The collaboration with the artist was great We put him in the best conditions to work on his art The leaves and brambles on the body make me think of nature An electric vehicle with an eco-friendly design This gives a good image of our Renault 5 -Tech electric of which we are already very proud paintshop senior operator at Ampere ElectriCity - Douai the various pieces of the metal puzzle were put together with the help of the Assembly line teams both intrigued and seduced by the metamorphosis of the vehicle they usually produce a few meters away A new birth for this Renault 5 E-Tech electric and a great pride for the employees of Douai around this artist who knew exactly how to reinterpret their little gem There was a lot of collective work and everyone enjoyed it To rebuild a Renault 5 is already emblematic But making a work of art out of this vehicle is really beautiful Assembly Line team Leader at ElectriCity - Douai First time for an artist at the heart of a factory because Renault’s relationship with Art dates back nearly 100 years «This approach was truly pioneering and reflected the avant-garde and bold vision that is still in Renault’s DNA today» Renault has maintained a privileged link in the world of the French automotive industry with illustrious contemporary artists created in 1967 a new patronage service entitled «Research The objective of this service is not only to acquire works to diversify investments but really to bring contemporary art and artists into the company the artist leaves his studio to join a manufacturing workshop and explore new creative horizons Renault’s employees are exposed to a world that they do not normally have access to feeding the innovation that is at the heart of the company we want to continue our support for contemporary art with the ambition of building a unique and original collection of Street art and was therefore continued with the project of Dan Rawlings who reconnects with the vision of art «being done» in the group’s manufacturing workshops «The ambition today is to recall our historical link between art and industry and to put this collection in motion by making it visible to the greatest number» concludes Catherine Gros The artwork of Dan Rawlings around Renault 5 E-Tech electric is visible at MAISON5 Renault’s ephemeral experience store dedicated to the launch of the vehicle Some of Erró’s works around the historic R5 during the 80’s are also on display Dan Rawlings: Street art creator of metal lace Born in 1979, Dan Rawlings is a self-taught English artist. He creates works from industrial metal objects that he transforms into poetic works. Whether it is a tanker, a grain silo, an airplane or a simple car, it cuts by hand plant and floral motifs in the material and shows nature regain its rights, with a simple and symbolic language. Because a short video is worth a thousand words, (re)discover the unique relationship forged over the years between the Group and the art world viewing these images: We are extremely proud to have been part of this adventure, because a project of such magnitude, in France no less, is a once in a lifetime opportunity!. Capacity Mounting Project Manager & All-new Megane E-TECH Electric Assembly Project Manager The Douai factory has been making Renault since 1975. With more than 10 million iconic vehicles having left the factory doors. “It’s not as if the assembly division at Douai was old and dated. Prior to the recent work, the factory’s production capacity was very good. The line had to be replaced in order to produce both ICE and EV models. We kill two birds with one stone by bringing the whole line up to the highest level of European standards,” explains Vincent. On paper, the objective is clear: create a brand-new assembly line using state-of-the-art technology from within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance while keeping anything that can be kept. I concrete terms, that meant completely emptying the assembly building with a floorspace covering 38,000m2, removing the 1st floor, while also replacing more than 100 pieces of heavy machinery (robots and assistance equipment) and 400 workstations along with all necessary equipment. “It took a year to get the job site ready. After close analysis, we determined that 20% of the old production line could be kept over,” recalls Nicolas. The Douai factory’s sheet metal and assembly lines are now ‘Alliance Standard Line’ compliant – the most advanced production standard within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. The highly versatile facility can now produce both ICE and EV vehicles on the same line, with three different platforms, and the best safety and output standards possible. Contrary to what one might think, the production capacity of the Douai factory was not the reason behind the recent upgrade. The output of 60 vehicles per hour prior to the works remains unchanged. The primary rationale behind upgrading the industrial complex was to improve efficiency of the production process for enhanced ergonomics of workstations and improved operator safety. “The best example is how body heights vary according to the type of vehicle. On sections where the interior and exterior panels (CT1-CT2) are mounted, the vehicle is laid on skillets that act as a base. It can be raised or lowered between 20cm and 1.3m high to make it easier for operators to work. A lot has been done to improve conditions for those working on the undercarriages,” Vincent explains. The icing on the cake is that the recent upgrade has also brought on energy savings with the installation of LED lights. Work on the project took just under two months to complete, from November 25th, 2020, to January 18th, 2021, when production started up once again. A total of 1,200 people worked tirelessly on the upgrade, even right up to the festive season. “We kept everyone motivated by making sure the ambiance was friendly. On Christmas Eve, we set up a 3-metre-tall Christmas tree with the must-have Christmas lights inside the building. What a special memory! ”, Nicolas and Vincent muse with a smile. The faultless mobilization and organization paid off: the actual works for the upgrade only lasted seven weeks. What better reward for the conscientious effort put in by all those who took part in such a technically challenging adventure that brought people together. The new assembly line is more compact than the previous one. The 20,000m2 of floor space freed up by the works have been reused to set up a battery assembly shop. As such, the sites external and internal logistics have been completely redesigned. The lorry depot and parts logistics department are now adjacent to the assembly line. The use of comprehensive  kits for each vehicle means it is now faster and more efficient to get operators the parts the need. Emotions and nerves were running high on January 18th when the assembly line was reopened for the first time since the upgrade began. “We celebrated the successful re-start by all having dinner together on site. We ordered in 200 pizzas. It tasted of victory!” Nicolas and Vincent fondly recall. The line is still being broken in. It recently hit the threshold of 60 vehicles/hour. Since reopening, 30,000 Megane E-TECH Electric cars, renowned for the quality of their manufacturing, have come off the line. “The All-new Megane E-TECH Electric has been crowned with a Euro-NCAP 5-star rating. A recognition of the car's quality design and manufacturing. An exceptional car born in ideal conditions. Quality is there. That is our greatest reward,” Vincent states proudly. Since the upgrade, the factory has been gradually picking up pace. It just recently reached its ‘normal’ production baseline of 60 vehicles/hour. This type of output means the Douai factory, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, has a bright future ahead at heart of ElectriCity. Brother Aidan signs his profession document A newly-professed monk from Basingstoke has become the first local Catholic to join Douai Abbey since 1903 Brother Aidan Messenger – who was baptised Thomas – made his solemn profession of vows to Abbot Paul Gunter at Douai Abbey church in Upper Woolhampton said: “I sense that this is the place where God has called me to be,” after professing vows of stability Conversatio Morum or fidelity to the monastic life and obedience The congregation attending the sung Mass for Brother Aidan’s profession included other English Benedictine monks family and friends including his fellow students from Blackfriars Brother Aidan is now a full member of the Douai community which comprises 13 resident monks who serve the parishes of St Bernadette’s Pangbourne and St Luke’s Theale as well as the Abbey church itself Offering hospitality to guests attending courses or conferences at Douai is a key charism of the community the Community of St Edmund the Martyr was founded by six English monks from the monastery of St Laurence at Dieulouard in Lorraine the community library numbered 5,000 volumes attracting visitors including Dr Samuel Johnson then in Flanders and now part of northern France occupying the building vacated four years earlier by the English monks of St Gregory the Great who established Downside Abbey in Somerset St Edmund’s community re-settled in Woolhampton less than a mile from the current monastery was said to have been the home place of a monk who joined the original community in Paris Get the latest news and special offers delivered to your inbox Subscribe Advertise Jobs About us Permissions Help Contact us The Envision AESC battery factory at Renault’s Douai site in northern France is to be smaller than originally announced The background is apparently a change of location Bloomberg refers to an official document of the French authority CNDP, the Commission Nationale du Débat Public. There, the new planned production capacity of 30 GWh until 2029 is mentioned. When it was announced in June production capacity was envisaged at 24 GWh by 2027 and 43 GWh by 2030 The downsizing follows the decision to build the plant on a car park next to Renault’s Douai assembly plant instead of in a wooded area there would have been some hurdles in getting permission for species protection reasons “It would have been complicated to build a battery factory in that zone,” Kurose said Instead of one large factory in the forest area Envision AESC is now planning four smaller plants – three of which will come to about nine GWh The Chinese company will initially invest around 800 million euros in Douai and employ up to 1,200 people with construction to begin by the end of 2024 nine GWh are reserved for Renault at the outset according to current information – but the carmaker itself had already announced that it would need up to 24 GWh from Envision AESC by the end of the decade – that would be the majority of the currently planned plant Envision AESC itself is in talks with “at least five other carmakers in Europe” only smaller delivery volumes would probably be possible here if Renault really wants to purchase 24 GWh According to Envision project manager Kurose output could still be increased with several smaller factories – but this is still being examined Performance cells will continue to be supplied by long-time battery partner LG Energy Solution Renault has also entered into a partnership with the French start-up Verkor from which the carmaker plans to source up to ten GWh of high-performance cells (probably mainly for the electric Alpine models) bnnbloomberg.ca a world leader in the development of high-performance batteries will start supplying equipment for two Renault models manufactured on a production site located nearby Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking acted as a Mandated Lead Arranger collateral agent and hedging bank within a European banking pool behind a €873 million financing package for the construction of the plant Caisse d’Epargne Haut de France also contributed to the syndication The AESC plant is one of the first four so-called ‘gigafactories’ dedicated to the production of electric batteries planned for the Hauts-de-France region whose ambition is to become the ‘electric battery valley’ of north-east France The total initial investment for the project amounts to 1.3 billion euros and will create approximately 1,200 indirect jobs within three years The 9 GWh/year plant is scheduled to start production in 2025 supplying batteries to power 200,000 electric vehicles a year in its initial phase and to equip Renault’s future ECHO (the new R5) and 4Ever models Subsequent phases of development could boost the plant’s capacity to between 24 GWh and 30 GWh per year by 2030 The project is also supported by Bpifrance Know us Our engagements The fifth-generation Scenic E-Tech electric Who better to talk about the evolution of this iconic model and the plant where it is made than Franck Lucas who is celebrating 41 years of service at the site this year Franck has been involved in the production of every generation of Scenic since its inception and has witnessed the technological advances from one iteration to the next as well as the improvements made to workstations and manufacturing methods within the plant Let Franck tell you about the evolution of one of Renault’s French industrial flagships where its team spirit remains as intact as it was in the early days I’ve been lucky enough to know all five generations of the Scenic. It’s no longer the same car, but it still has the same spirit. What an evolution! Unit Manager, Douai Ampere ElectriCity Manufacture According to Franck, there are two things that don't seem to have changed: the concern for safety, a real leitmotiv at the factory, and the camaraderie within the teams, which he describes as a family, with a lot of solidarity between operators. It was the desire to see this state of mind, which enables Douai to proudly state its vehicles are Made in France, that prompted Franck to move on to the next part of his career. To incorporate electric vehicles in our processes, we invested more than €550 million to transform the Douai factory. We also improved workstation ergonomics. Half a century of expertise. More than 10 million iconic vehicles coming off the production line. That is the story behind the Douai factory, and it is also a story of the millions of families who have driven those same iconic models: from Renault 5 to Scenic, not to forget the legendary Fuego and Renault 19. New robots and automation are used in the body shop for greater modularity and flexibility. It is here that every car, large or small, can pass along the production line as it adapts to the size of each passing unit. Each millimetre is calculated, for a perfect fit. The paint shop has also been given its own overhaul, with a modified e-coating tank, new resin injector robots, and a new finish line. It’s a revolution! We strive for quality with each vehicle, at every stage of the manufacturing process and all thanks to the involvement of each employee. This is our promise to customers, and it is brought to life through the new generation of electric cars.Luciano Biondo, Director of Renault Group Electricity Too many automated requests from this network Renault Group announced its strategy to produce EV batteries in France Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Renault Group The president met factory employees and welcomed the investments that will ultimately create 4,500 direct jobs “Today, we are tackling the challenges of tomorrow, specifically, that of impending climate change. Investing in the electric vehicles and batteries is the only way to tackle modern issues and prepare for the future, by creating further jobs here in the Hauts de France." A strategic partnership with AESC – a global player in low-carbon batteries and long-term partner of Nissan – to set up a Gigafactory in Douai, as part of Renault ElectriCity, to produce last-generation, low-carbon, cost-competitive batteries. The Douai Gigafactory will reach a capacity of 9 GWh by 2024 and has a target of 24 GWh by 2030. It will be located near the Renault ElectriCity production sites at Douai, Maubeuge, and Ruitz.  These two partnerships, along with work coming out of the Renault ElectriCity hub, will help with the creation of nearly 4,500 direct French jobs by 2030 and the development of EV battery manufacturing ecosystem right in the heart of Europe.  "The new partnerships with AESC and Verkor will significantly strengthen our position to produce one million ‘made in Europe’ electric vehicles by 2030. This is the Group’s way of restating its willingness to produce popular, affordable, and cost-effective electric cars in France. ", said Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group.  Another milestone that goes hand in hand with other mechanisms already in place within Renault Group, such as the agreement with LG Chem which is currently a supplier for Renault’s EV range and will provide battery modules for the up-coming Megane E-TECH Electric.  "Producing large quantities of batteries will be crucial. Today, 85% of global battery production comes from Asia. Tomorrow, the Douai site will produce hundreds of thousands of batteries every year for French cars. These partnerships set Renault Group in the right direction and serve to further bolster the Alliance! “, said Jean-Dominique Senard, Chairman of the Board of Directors   "Today, we celebrate good news: that of attractiveness that has grown through the AESC investment; and that of employment. With the EV battery project developed in Douvrin, we see a true European valley for electric vehicles emerge."   The French President was shown the latest products that will drive the future of the three factories: All-New Kangoo for Maubeuge, All-New Megane E-TECH Electric for Douai, and a new battery tray for the Ruitz factory that also manufactures the E-TECH DB 35 gearbox.  Home   Lifestyle   Article Newbury Chamber Choir: John Stainer: The Crucifixion and other music for Lentat Douai Abbeyon Saturday made a bold decision to try the very different acoustic of Douai Abbey O Nata Lux filled this vast space with its ascetic resonance we knew that the gamble had paid off handsomely The simplicity of this work is perfectly suited to this venue and it sounded beautiful The first half continued with a deliberately non-chronological sequence of music on the theme of Lent including choral music by S S Wesley - Oh Lord My King and contemporary composer Gabriel Jackson - Tantum ergo There were also two choral preludes by JS Bach in the mix played most sensitively by organist Robert Patterson The sizeable audience instinctively refrained from applauding after each piece and waited until the end This allowed a solemn and contemplative atmosphere to accumulate through to the closing hymn Now my life is ended written by JSB’s father’s cousin the closing phrase of each verse punctuated by a gentle rising scale in the sopranos brought the short interval to an orderly close with a firm call to order and a prayer We had to prepare ourselves for John Stainer’s substantial Crucifixion which was inspired by Bach’s St Matthew Passion It is one thing to admire a masterpiece but quite another to emulate it the ensemble gave us a lively and convincing account and the audience did its best with the three hymns down for universal participation The tenor recitative was sung by the choir’s own Gordon Fry with a well judged narrative line and some fine high notes which filled the church brought great spiritual drama to the voice of the Redeemer - Could ye not watch with Me one brief hour Our seasonal meditation closed with a fluent and tuneful unaccompanied Lord’s Prayer specially composed by the choir’s director Ben de Souza Home   News   Article STRATFORD’S new Roman Catholic parish priest was inducted on Saturday at St Gregory’s Church Fr Oliver has been in position since September and is already well known to parishioners and the other churches in Stratford whose associations with Stratford stretch back to his early years Thirty-three years have passed since he first returned to St Gregory’s on the day after he was ordained St Gregory’s Church is served by clergy from Douai Abbey and is part of the Archdiocese of Birmingham The abbey also serves Our Lady & St Joseph in Alcester and St Mary’s in Studley Abbot Paul’s homily reflected on the role of a parish priest and paid tribute to Fr Oliver’s predecessor who left in September to become guest master at Douai it was apparent how difficult it would be to find a priest who would follow Fr Alexander His contribution touched your lives in so many ways and he leaves a fine legacy in this beautified church Please keep him in your prayers as he recovers from his illness and conscious of the sacrifices Douai is making I know that in selecting him for Stratford “Quite apart from his administrative experience a vast cultural and linguistic resource in literature and both of these honed during years as a housemaster at Douai teaching English Following Mass there was a reception in the school hall with food and drink prepared by parishioners Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome the 150th Wallace Fountain Anniversary was celebrated in Paris You may have seen the fountain – at the Place de Douai in HarborPark I assisted a volunteer from the Society of the Wallace Fountains and promoting the iconic Wallace Fountains of Paris. Suzanne explained to me that the organization was developing a section for their website called "Wallace Fountains Around the World". (In early 2022 Kenosha was added to the website.) She had heard about our Wallace Fountain and seen a picture of it on our website She needed more information about how it came to be here Kenosha’s Wallace Fountain is more a piece of art than a functional drinking fountain (it’s currently not working) I knew the basics: Place de Douai in HarborPark showcases the Wallace Fountain which was donated by the citizens of Douai The two cities have been sister cities since 1981 HarborPark is a neighborhood that is the epicenter of Kenosha’s beautifully redeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline Place de Douai is a plaza near the Kenosha Public Museum and Southport Marina A portion of Kenosha HarborMarket takes place here on Saturdays in the summer The Kiwanis Club of Kenosha donated a towering clock that also stands in Place de Douai I did not know there may be more than 150 Wallace Fountains located outside of Paris with possibly up to ten of them in the United States. (As I write this I’m reminded of the Miniature Statue of Liberty that’s inside the Kenosha History Center This miniature was one of about 200 statues placed in communities throughout the country by Boy Scout troops I wonder if they’ve all been preserved and where they are now!) I confirmed with a contact at the City of Kenosha that the Wallace Fountain was indeed a gift from the city of Douai France to Kenosha as part of the sister city relationship in 2001 Mayor Antaramian wrote a note of thanks to the Mayor of Douai the society’s president did the writeup on Kenosha’s Wallace Fountain she found that Douai does not actually have a Wallace Fountain themselves. She also discovered that Wallace Fountains were a popular gift for sister city exchanges among small cities in France.  According to the society’s Wallace Fountains website drinking water sources primarily located throughout Paris although replicas exist at various locations worldwide The first 50 were installed in Paris beginning in 1872.” The website says “the true motivation of Sir Richard Wallace the Englishman who lived most of his life in Paris and who donated funds in the second half of the nineteenth century to bring free … Through his focused efforts to combine practical design with extraordinary beauty and allegorical meaning he created works of art that continuously serve the public by delivering clean drinking water to the population He also gave Paris one of its most lasting and beloved iconic symbols.” Next time you’re in the HarborPark area stop and appreciate our very own touch of Paris called the Wallace Fountain Learn more at the Wallace Fountains website HERE> View the website’s Kenosha listing HERE> Visit Kenosha Public Relations Director / An auntie Colaboradores CollaboratorsCET Ingénieurie (socios partners); Studio DAP (acústica acoustics); Impact (estudios mediambientales environmental studies); ATSL (paisajismo landscape) Infografías RendersFilippo Bolognese   there arent any match using your search terms European Investment Bank with support from InvestEU invests €450 million in the construction of AESC electric battery gigafactory in Douai The EIB’s investment in the gigafactory that AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation) will operate from 2025 is carried out in the form of two operations: €337.2 million in direct loans to the project and EUR 112.8 million in indirect loans to participating commercial banks to power 200000 electric vehicles per year the Douai site will then see its capacity gradually increased to reach a production of 24 GWh to 30 GWh/year by 2030 thanks to the realisation of three planned expansions This large-scale project represents a total investment of €1.3 billion for this first phase with the creation of some 1,200 direct jobs in the next three years and up to 3000 jobs by 2030 The batteries produced in Douai will notably equip the future ECHO models (new R5) and 4Ever produced by Renault The future phases of this gigafactory will be able to supply Renault as well as other automotive and industrial manufacturers with electric batteries in the future The construction of this gigafactory in France is in line with the EU’s ambitions for clean mobility To achieve its green transition and achieve carbon neutrality as set out in the European Green Deal by 2050 Europe will have to significantly increase its battery production capacity “Made in EU” the EIB contributes to the transition to a decarbonised economy the strengthening of its industrial sovereignty and the transformation of the automotive sector A global player in the development and manufacture of high-performance batteries for electric vehicles the group will be able to increase its battery production for European car manufacturers and thus accelerate the transition of the sector to competitive decarbonised mobility technology solutions Investing in clean mobility helps us to reach our climate targets and at the same time creates jobs and promotes sustainable growth this investment in the production of electric vehicles’ batteries is expected to create thousands of jobs in the north of France while promoting our transition to climate neutrality This strategic investment in AESC allows Europe and its automotive industry to acquire industrial tools near their production sites as will be the case for the “ElectriCity” cluster developed by Renault in Douai “As a climate bank of the European Union the EIB is fully mobilised to ensure that Europe tomorrow has the capacity to produce electric batteries to respond to the climate emergency and strengthen the competitiveness of its manufacturers by relocating their value chains to local ecosystems creating new jobs That is why I welcome the introduction of this gigafactory at a time when the electric car market is experiencing a very important take-off in Europe.” Thanks to the decisive financing of the European Investment Bank the construction of this gigafactory contributes to the European will to decarbonise the territory This includes the creation of new jobs with high added value and access to our state-of-the-art technology We are also proud to be able to advance clean mobility by making batteries and electric vehicles affordable the European Investment Bank (EIB) is the EU’s long-term financing institution and its shareholders are the 27 member states It provides financing for high-quality investments that help to achieve Europe’s key objectives which aims to make the EU carbon neutral by 2050 it aims to encourage the emergence and deployment of new technologies to meet the challenges of the energy transition to a new low-carbon growth model It has already participated in the financing of several battery gigafactories in Europe such as Northvolt’s pioneering giant plant in Skellefteå It is also involved in several other gigafactory projects in France the EIB’s investments in France in renewable energies clean mobility and energy efficiency amounted to €5.9 billion AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation) is a world leader in the development and manufacture of high-performance batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems The group’s cutting-edge technology and reliability promote and accelerate the transition to clean energy solutions AESC batteries will soon power several million electric vehicles for the world’s leading automakers AESC is creating the only stand-alone company focused exclusively on advanced battery technologies the company has a globally diversified management team ownership structure and production footprint The InvestEU program provides the European Union with essential long-term financing mobilizing large volumes of public and private funds to support a sustainable recovery It also helps to attract private investment in support of key EU priorities such as the Green Pact for Europe and the digital transition The InvestEU program brings together under a single structure the multiple EU financial instruments currently available to support investment in the European Union making the financing of investment projects in Europe simpler The three components of the program are the Fund the advisory platform and the InvestEU portal The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners who invest in projects using the €26.2 billion EU budget guarantee The overall budget guarantee supports the investment projects of the implementing partners and increases their risk-taking capacity mobilising at least €372 billion in additional investment READ the latest Batteries News shaping the battery market European Investment Bank with support from InvestEU invests €450 million in the construction of AESC electric battery gigafactory in Douai. source US Energy Storage Industry Commits $100 Billion Investment in American-Made Grid Batteries WASHINGTON 2025 – Today the American Clean Power Association (ACP) South Korean Battery Firms Reassess Investments Amid Global Market Shifts EcoPro BM Halts Quebec Cathode Material Factory Construction After Ford’s Withdrawal South Korean battery manufacturers are reevaluating their.. European Investment Bank (EIB) €18M Loan to UP Catalyst for Creating Critical Raw Material Resilience in Europe UP Catalyst a Tallinn-based company specialising in transforming industrial CO2 emissions into locally.. COPYRIGHT POLICY DISCLAIMER TERMS & CONDITIONS PRIVACY POLICY We love meeting interesting people and making new friends Battery cell manufacturer AESC (formerly Envision AESC) is getting support from the European Investment Bank to finance its planned plant at Renault's Douai site in northern France And this in the form of almost half a billion euros the European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €450 million in aid to the Japan-based company for its factory in France: €337.2 million will be paid as a direct loan and a further €112.8 million in the form of indirect loans to participating commercial banks According to an accompanying press release this financing will be used to realise the first phase of the plant AESC plans to produce battery cells with an annual capacity of 9 GWh for Renault from 2025 the factory is planned to expand gradually the construction of this Gigafactory contributes to the European will to decarbonise the territory thanks to crucial funding from the European Investment Bank “This includes the creation of new jobs with high added value and access to our cutting-edge technology We are also proud to be able to promote clean mobility by making batteries and electric vehicles affordable.” ASEC wanted to realise a factory with a capacity of 43 GWh in Douai by 2030 there has been talk of 30 GWh or more by 2029 it is now slightly less again with 24 to 30 GWh in 2030 The initial downsizing followed the decision to build the plant on a car park next to Renault’s Douai assembly plant instead of in a wooded area according to project manager Ayumi Kurose at the time The EIB now says the major project will require an investment of 1.3 billion euros The 450 million euros in loans from the EIB will therefore cover a good third The bank also specifies that the batteries produced in Douai will be used primarily for the future Renault R5 and 4Ever electric models the press release also states: “The future phases of this gigafactory will be able to supply Renault as well as other automotive and industrial manufacturers with electric batteries in the future.” So it remains a multi-customer strategy on the part of AESC The umbrella company will bundle the electric car activities of Renault’s Douai Maubeuge and Ruitz plants in northern France and build 400,000 vehicles per year from 2025 Renault plans to source NMC cells with a more “affordable” cell chemistry for the volume vehicles Renault has also entered into a partnership with French startup Verkor The AESC group has its headquarters in Japan and was founded in 2007 as a joint venture of three Japanese companies Since the focus of the ‘Automotive Energy Supply Company’ (AESC) was on electric vehicles from the beginning Nissan was the largest shareholder with 51 percent the Chinese company Envision took over the majority of AESC which was also reflected in the official company name Envision AESC “to reaffirm its commitment to its core values and dedication to precision engineering and Japanese excellence” according to a recent statement from AESC in response to a query from electrive It was felt that the new name “best embodies” its commitment to the future of green energy worldwide and the Chinese company Envision is still the majority shareholder ec.europa.eu Fr Provincial Damian Howard SJ took part in celebrations last weekend to mark the 450th anniversary of the founding of the English College at Douai by William Allen in 1568 William Allen was one of a small group of Catholic exiles from Protestant Elizabethan England where it was treason for Catholic priests to celebrate Mass Allen persuaded Pope Pius V to allow him to establish a College at Douai where English students could train as priests was key to the English mission for the re-conversion of England Over 130 former students from Douai were put to death under the penal laws among them the Jesuit saints Edmund Campion Allen later travelled to Rome to set up the English College there and was created a cardinal in 1587 Scholars of the English College were responsible for the Douay-Rheims English translation of the Bible published between 1582 and 1610 During the French Revolutionary wars in 1793 the College fled to England and was established in Hertfordshire as St Edmunds College Ware - now a co-educational Catholic school which retains strong connections with its Douai origins Douai is likewise proud of its English connections and the town is holding a number of events to celebrate the anniversary played hockey and rugby fixtures against St Edmund's College on Friday 28 September An exhibition on Douai's English literary heritage opened at the Library Marceline Desbordes-Valmore and runs from September 29 to October 27 The choir and orchestra of St Edmund's College gave a concert at the Henri Dutilleux auditorium and sang at a Solemn Mass on Saturday 29 September celebrated by the Archbishop of Cambrai The restored altar and tabernacle of the English College Fr Damian said: "It was a privilege and a joy to be part of such a special day It's important for us today to remember how much the Catholic Churches of these islands have been shaped by the experience of exile and how generously our ancestors in the faith were treated in their hour of need in places like Douai and Saint-Omer The Jesuits of Britain will always look back with gratitude to those days of adversity when our brothers joined with so many other Catholics in witnessing to the faith by giving their lives May the martyrs continue to support us with their example and their prayers." www.jesuit.org.uk Tags: Douai, Damian Howard SJ, English Martyrs, Jesuits in Britain The Popemobile of Peace: Pope Francis' final gift to Gaza The monks of Douai Abbey have celebrated the blessing of Father Paul Gunter OSB as their new abbot Abbot Paul received the abbatial blessing from Bishop Egan of Portsmouth together with the Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation and 13 abbots The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire attended and ecumenical guests included the Anglican Bishop of Reading Bishop Marcus Stock of Leeds highlighted the Rule of Saint Benedict as the immediate "spiritual foundation" for guiding the brethren; the ring as a sign of constancy in loving kindness; and the pastoral staff for the sacrificial love required of any shepherd of a Christian flock the new abbot has taken as his motto convertat ut benignitas Abbot Paul spoke of the rich array of saints named in the Litany sung before the blessing he said "outward-facing ministers of the Gospel of every time and state of life." Included in the Litany were the martyrs of China and Ukraine They give us courage "to be missionary; that is effective witnesses in our time to the person and saving work of Jesus Christ." is a native of Wolverhampton and entered Douai Abbey in 1985 After serving for some years on some of the monastery's parishes he was sent to Rome in 2002 for higher studies in liturgy at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute (PIL) He served ten years on the faculty of the PIL before returning to become parish priest of Alcester in Warwickshire In 2012 he was appointed Secretary to the Department of Christian Life and Worship of the English and Welsh bishops' conference He was elected the eleventh abbot of Douai on 11 May 2022 succeeding Abbot Geoffrey Scott who retired after 24 years as abbot Dispersed by the French Revolution the community of English Benedictines was re-housed in Douai northern France in 1818 before returning to England in 1903 which also moved from Douai to Woolhampton The constant work of the monks of the community has been service on the mission in England and Wales though its monks have served as far afield as Mauritius and Australia some of whom serve in parishes in the dioceses of Portsmouth LINKDouai Abbey - https://douaiabbey.org.uk/ 2022 – As part of its Renaulution strategy Renault Group today announces an acceleration of the decarbonization plan for its industrial sites with three strategic and unprecedented partnerships to achieve its energy transition objectives This new stage is materializing today with Voltalia for the largest green electricity supply contract in France – for the French factories of the Group; with ENGIE for the first deep geothermal project on a European industrial site Committed to the energy transition for more than 10 years and reaffirmed in the Climate Plan in April 2021 the Group confirms its commitments to achieve net zero carbon at its ElectriCity plants in Hauts-de-France by 2025  The Group is drawing up a large-scale concrete plan to accelerate industrial decarbonization via photovoltaics said: "Today we are taking a strategic step towards achieving carbon neutrality in our plants Thanks to this partnership signed  with Voltalia ElectriCity will become the Group's first production hub to be supplied with carbon-free and competitive electricity We are already working on the next step of our plan and are working towards carbon-free heat to power our factories we are proud to launch with ENGIE one of the most ambitious decarbonisation projects on a European industrial site: the installation of deep geothermal energy we are very pleased to partner with Dalkia to launch a biomass boiler project at the Maubeuge plant to innovate and reduce the carbon footprint of our plants." Renault Group and Voltalia sign France's largest long-term renewable electricity supply agreement (Corporate Power Purchasing Agreement) for a capacity of 350 megawatts representing the production of approximately 500 gigawatt hours per year by 2027 it is an unprecedented commitment in France terms of power This long-term agreement will enable Renault Group to cover up to 50% of the electricity consumption of the manufacturer's production activities in France in 2027 Voltalia will install photovoltaic panels on French territory for a capacity of 100 megawatts from 2025 The capacity made available to Renault by Voltalia will increase steadily over the following years This agreement will cover Cléon's electric activities as well as all the sustainable electricity needs of the ElectriCity cluster the largest and most competitive electric vehicle production centre in Europe whose ambition is to produce 500,000 vehicles per year by 2025 said: "Voltalia is proud to be a privileged partner of this new stage of Renault Group's Climate Plan and to actively contribute to its objective of net zero carbon for the plants in the ElectriCity cluster carbon-free and competitive electricity to reduce CO2 emissions is Voltalia's daily mission This major partnership delights us and illustrates our ability to be a key player in green electricity solutions in France." This large-scale project is integrated as part of a Heat Purchase Agreement (HPA) with the aim of supplying the plant with carbon-free heat replacing 70% of its gas needs from local and renewable sources Renault Group will thus strengthen its leading position in the decarbonisation of its industrial sites through this commitment will begin drilling work at the Douai plant to draw hot water (130-140°C) at a depth of 4,000 metres to capture the calories needed for the plant's industrial and heating process needs from 2025 The geothermal water will then be returned to its natural environment this geothermal technology would provide a power of nearly 40 MW continuously geothermal energy could be used to produce carbon-free electricity Executive Vice President in charge of Energy Solutions said: "We are proud to be one of the partners that Renault has trusted to decarbonise its activities The technological expertise represented by this geothermal solution applied to a large industrial site demonstrates our know-how and our ability to innovate to support our customers in their energy transition resilient solutions that guarantee the highest operational performance." an EDF Group subsidiary specialising in renewable energies have signed a 15-year partnership to supply carbon-free heat to the Maubeuge Renault plant through the installation of a biomass boiler and waste heat recovery systems on site this boilers should enable the plant to cover 65% of its gas needs from local and renewable sources by 2025 said: "I would like to thank Renault Group for placing its trust in us The decarbonisation of industry is at the heart of our activities and our teams are very committed to making this biomass heating plant project at the Maubeuge plant a benchmark for the region's energy transition!" The decarbonization plan concerns all Renault Group sites on the four continents where the Group operates and to make this transition to renewable energy Renault Group is surrounded by a network of partners to deploy its decarbonization strategy around the world Discover Renault Group's initiatives to decarbonize its industrial sites around the world: To go further on Renault Group's Climate Plan Renault Group is accelerating the decarbonisation plan for its plants in France and innovating with new partners: Voltalia Corporate Press Officer Industry & Sustainability +33 7 89 27 09 92 +33 6 25 63 22 08 Renault Group is at the forefront of a mobility that is reinventing itself Strengthened by its alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors and its unique expertise in electrification Renault Group comprises 4 complementary brands - Renault Alpine and Mobilize - offering sustainable and innovative mobility solutions to its customers the Group has sold 2.7 million vehicles in 2021 It employs nearly 111,000 people who embody its Purpose every day Ready to pursue challenges both on the road and in competition Renault Group is committed to an ambitious transformation that will generate value This is centred on the development of new technologies and services the Group’s ambition is to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 Voltalia is an international player in renewable energies The Group produces and sells electricity from its wind It has an operating and construction capacity of more than 2.4 GW and a portfolio of projects under development with a total capacity of 13.6 GW Voltalia is also a service provider and supports its customers in renewable energy during all stages of projects Voltalia finally offers a global offer to companies ranging from the supply of green electricity to energy efficiency services including the local production of its own electricity With 1,450 employees in 20 countries on 4 continents Voltalia has a global capacity for action for its customers Voltalia is listed on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (FR0011995588 – VLTSA) and is part of the Enternext Tech 40 and CAC Mid&Small indices The company is also included in the Gaia-Index ENGIE is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services we are committed to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral world through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally-friendly solutions we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers The Group is listed on the Paris and Brussels stock exchanges (ENGI) and is represented in the main financial indices (CAC 40 MSCI Europe) and non-financial indices (DJSI World Euronext Vigeo Eiris - Eurozone 120/ Europe 120/ France 20 a subsidiary of the EDF Group and leader in energy services has been investing in and developing renewable and recovery energies and supporting its customers over the long term to help them save energy and reduce their CO2 emissions Nearly 20,000 employees throughout France and abroad maintain and operate the facilities of industrial sites with innovative and efficient solutions to accelerate the decarbonization of sites and territories Find our solutions on our eco-responsible website www.dalkia.fr Drawing inspiration from the continuous elliptical movement of the stars the new cultural sight of the city of Douai is located between the river Scarpe and the Arkéos archaeological museum The composition of curved lines envelops the two domes: that of the screening room and that of the observatory The objective of the project is to show the building’s program and function from outside A gently sloping ramp visible from the exterior through the partly translucent facade connects the different levels the elliptical central courtyard provides a focal point within the complex allowing crossed views between different spaces The visitor route is a smooth flow from the entrance to the immersion room passing through the gift shop and the exhibition space The planetarium’s outer skin is integrated into the environment through the use of the same materials applied in nearby constructions and the light gray PVC membrane that coats the dome of the screnning room Snøhetta takes to northern France with the design of Orionis, a spiraling planetarium and observatory in Douai Inspired by the graceful and continuous movement of stars this cultural destination aims to connect various elements Snøhetta’s design features a unified building with curves that elegantly envelop the projection room and observatory domes creating an accessible and inspiring space for visitors Developed in collaboration with CET Ingénierie the project was initiated in late 2019 and has now opened its doors to the public as of May 13th images © Jad Sylla | @jfsylla For the architects at Snøhetta the concept of continuous movement has been the driving force behind the Orionis project This notion is evident in the reception area Snøhetta has incorporated a slightly inclined ramp which is visible from the outside through the partly translucent facade of the building The continuous movement concept serves as a guiding principle throughout the entire visitor experience ‘We wanted to propose an extraordinary meeting place and a new destination for the inhabitants of Douai,’ explains Kjetil Trædal Thorsen ‘The architectural and urban concept of our project takes its inspiration from the elliptical movement of the stars fluid and perpetual are notions that we have reinterpreted in the project not only in terms of the shape but also in the experience that visitors will have of the planetarium In addition to embodying a sense of timelessness Snøhetta’s Orionis aims to respond to the surrounding landscape and the meandering Scarpe river The design aims to establish a physical and visual link between the planetarium and the natural environment By aligning with the neighboring Arkéos Museum the project not only shares landscaped areas but also establishes shared parking lots further enhancing the connectivity between these two cultural entities Snøhetta has carefully considered the impact on the local neighborhood and ensured that the two domes serve as visual signals without imposing on the surrounding area The goal was to reveal the building’s program and function through its distinctive shapes Orionis has been meticulously designed by Snøhetta to cater to the needs of its diverse users while maintaining a sense of coherence and continuity with the overall theme The visitor circuit flows from the entrance leading to the planetarium’s immersive room The gentle ramp then guides the audience back to the ground floor such as the observatory and offices on the first floor preventing intersecting flows and enhancing the overall visitor experience The exterior envelope of the Orionis planetarium draws inspiration from the surrounding region and the materials used in nearby structures such as the Arkéos Museum and brick houses of Douai Three main colors define the project: the evolving wood color of the poplar and the light gray PVC membrane that covers the dome of the projection room The steel panels on the main façade reminiscent of those in front of the curtain walls at the Arkéos Museum A green roof on the lower level introduces a natural element that helps to integrate the project into the existing site landscape The light gray PVC membrane covering the screening room dome reduces its visual impact while accentuating the path of the winding ramp that wraps around the building’s facade Sustainability played a vital role in the design of Orionis Geothermal energy supplies the heating for the showroom’s floor providing warmth in winter and cooling in summer Intelligent natural ventilation is facilitated by sensors installed on multiple openings Sunshades and the green roof contribute to responsible temperature regulation and rainwater management Locally sourced materials were preferred during construction to minimize the project’s carbon footprint and ensure a low environmental impact construction site Orionis stands as a testament to Snøhetta’s commitment to sustainability and responsible architecture ‘The Planetarium is one of the first projects to be completely conceived managed and built by Snøhetta’s studio in Paris,’ says ​Oliver Page Managing Director of Snøhetta’s studio in Paris ‘We are extremely excited to showcase the Snøhetta approach for delivering high-quality cultural and educational buildings in France.‘​ project title: Orionis architecture, interiors: Snøhetta ​| @snohetta location: Douai, France ​ ​ client: Douaisis Agglomeration completion: May 2023  photography: © Jad Sylla | @jfsylla AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style Renault announced a new wholly-owned legal entity Renault ElectriCity that groups together the industrial sites of Douai This move is part of the previously announced Renaulution strategic plan and will enable to "electrify" the plants with an ambition of 400,000 vehicles per year by 2025 the Renault ElectriCity will be the largest and most competitive electric vehicle production center in Europe We assume that Renault is talking about 400,000 EVs (or at least plug-ins) annually 700 permanent new jobs will be added at the sites Renault Group aims to make these plants the most competitive and efficient production unit for electric vehicles in Europe with 400,000 vehicles produced per year by 2025 Renault Group has set itself three major objectives:  The most interesting part for us is about the plant assignments that reveal the use of new EV platforms and EV models The Douai plant is scheduled to start production of its first electric car later this year. It will be the all-electric Megane E-Vision, based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-EV platform, utilized also by Nissan in the upcoming Ariya model the plant will start production of a new C-segment vehicle Renault will produce in Douai also EVs based on a new electric platform for B-segment vehicles there will be at least three all-new models The Maubeuge plant is not a newbie to EVs, as it has been making the Renault Kangoo Z.E. with lithium-ion batteries for about 10 years In 2022, Renault will launch the all-new Kangoo Van E-TECH Electric We guess that the plant will produce also electric vans for Nissan and Daimler The plant in Ruitz will supply electrical components to other plants The plant will host a new electrical components manufacturing activity These Electric Motors Keep Old EVs Running Longer For Less Waymo Is Far From Done With The Jaguar I-Pace 2025 Renault 5 E-Tech: An Icon Nails Its Electric Comeback Ford Isn't Slowing Down Mustang Mach-E Production The Renault 5 Turbo 3E ‘Mini Supercar’ Gets In-Wheel Motors The 2025 Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck Is America’s New Range King Renault Made A Breakthrough In EV Fire Safety Renault has set its sights even higher for the future of electric vehicles made in France The birth of Renault Group ElectriCity in June 2021 was the tangible realisation of a main ambition behind the Renaulution plan: to bring together the industrial sites of Douai Here are some stunning images and facts about just how unique the operational hub truly is The ambition set for the ElectriCity was to become Europe’s most competitive and efficient EV production hub The objective being to produce 480,000 electric vehicles every year by 2025 which supplies the engines for the All-new Megane E-TECH Electric and All-new Renault Kangoo E-TECH Electric ElectriCity has what it takes to make it ElectriCty is the industrial way to reach that goal The ElectriCity hub is made up of the factories at Douai Engines that feed into the hub come from the Cléon plant the Douai factory has been producing its first electric vehicle A new production line was made especially for the new activity in January 2021 A new batteries assembly workshop is currently under construction and will supply the site starting in 2024 Douai will also take on production of the All-new Renault 5 as of 2024 The Maubeuge factory is specialised in making vans In addition to the past three generations of Kangoo it also makes vehicles for Daimler (Mercedes Citan) and Nissan Townstar Maubeuge has been manufacturing the electric version of the Renault Kangoo a pioneer and leader in the European electric-van segment since it was launch all models leaving the factory doors will be electric The Ruitz factory is a manufacturing site for gearboxes it has been the production site of the DB35 gearbox featured on the entire E-TECH range Ruitz is also turning more to electric vehicles as it will soon produce the battery trays (housing units for EV battery modules) used on those electric vehicles made in France a memorandum of understanding for the creation of a joint venture between Renault Group and Minth Group was signed in June 2022 born of a strategic partnership between Renault Group and AESC has been under construction near the Douai factory since the summer of 2022 It will produce state-of-the-art batteries with a smaller carbon footprint for future electric models In addition to signing agreements for the sustainable sourcing of raw materials such as nickel with Terrafame or cobalt with Managem Group, Renault Group is partnering with major market players in order to hold on its position as leader in electric vehicles. ElectriCity is directly affected by such promising partnerships. French start-up Verkor will work with Renault Group to co-develop high-performance and low-carbon batteries, with production starting in Dunkirk in 2025. Minth Group, one of the world's leading automotive suppliers, has signed a memorandum of understanding for the creation of a joint venture to produce battery trays at the Ruitz factory. will produce a compact electric SUV for alliance partner Mitsubishi at the Douai plant in France only the platform of the new model and the planned market launch in 2025 have been confirmed The little information known comes from Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault and Ampere. The Mitsubishi electric vehicle will therefore use the Group’s CMF-EV platform for compact vehicles, which will be called AmpR Medium from now on “I can confirm that Mitsubishi will produce a C-SUV EV for the world on the AmpR Medium platform and of course all electric,” said de Meo Mitsubishi’s compact electric SUV is set to be launched in 2025 according to a Mitsubishi Motors Europe spokesperson It is therefore still unclear whether it will be a body designed by Mitsubishi or a Renault model branded by the Japanese company. The Mitsubishi ASX which will also be available as a plug-in hybrid merely swapped the brand logos and lettering for the Renault Captur Renault is currently building the Mégane E-Tech Electric compact model based on the AmpR Medium and will launch a crossover with the well-known model name Scénic in 2024 In March, Mitsubishi announced four all-electric models by 2028, including a pickup truck, an SUV and two models as part of the manufacturer alliance with Renault and Nissan. Mitsubishi will invest a maximum of 200 million euros in Renault’s electric car division Ampere Among the electric Mitsubishis announced as recently as March was a covered small electric car known as the Colt The model was to be based on the AmpR Small (previously CMF-BEV) of the Renault 5 and the successor to the Nissan Micra a new Mitsubishi Colt is already on the market – a Renault Clio restyled in the spirit of badge engineering As the CMF-B of the Clio and the CMF-BEV/AmpR Small share many components it is still possible that an electric Mitsubishi Colt will also come onto the market drive.com.au, autonews.com Snøhetta is an integrated architecture formed in 1989 and led by principals Craig Dykers and Kjetil Thorsen which is named after one of Norway's highest mountain peaks has approximately 100 staff members working on projects around the world with people from multiple professions working together to explore diverse perspectives on each project Snøhetta has completed several critically acclaimed cultural projects including the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt; the National Opera and Ballet in Oslo Norway; and the Lillehammer Art Museum in Norway Current projects include the National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion at the World Trade Center site in New York In 2004 Snøhetta received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and in 2009 the firm was honored with the Mies van der Rohe Award Snøhetta is the only company to have twice won the World Architecture Award for best cultural building in 2002 for the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and in 2008 for the National Opera and Ballet in Oslo Kjetil Trædal Thorsen (above left) is a multi-award-winning co-founder of the architectural and design firm Snøhetta He is a visionary architect who has redefined the boundaries of contemporary design Snøhetta has created iconic structures that blend cutting-edge innovation with a deep sensitivity to culture and environment Thorsen’s work is celebrated for its emphasis on social interaction and creating spaces that inspire and connect people His groundbreaking approach has made him a leading figure in global architecture shaping the future of how we experience the built environment Craig Dykers (above right)co-founded the architecture and he is Principal of the New York City office of the Norwegian-based firm Snøhetta has developed a reputation for maintaining a strong relationship between landscape and architecture in all of its projects His major projects include the design of Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet in Oslo the recently opened National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion at the former World Trade Center site and the redesign of Times Square in New York Craig has been a member of the Norwegian Architecture Association (NAL) the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in England He has been the Diploma Adjudicator at the Architectural College in Oslo and has been a Distinguished Professor at City College in New York City Dykers has been commissioned to complete installation art projects in public spaces many of which focused on the notion of context Archive Architecture In this second of two articles in the 450th anniversary year of the English College Fr Nicholas Schofield continues the story of the College through turbulent wars and the French Revolution until its return to English shores.  managed to remain in France for over two centuries On several occasions it had to be evacuated due to war or plague but it became a proud feature of that university town.  The 18th century saw ambitious plans for rebuilding and new subjects introduced on the curriculum Although often dismissed as an academic backwater it produced a famous historian (John Lingard) and two Fellows of the Royal Society the staff and students thought it would escape unscathed since the college was ‘English’ and claimed exemption from revolutionary legislation The College printer was one of those lynched by a mob and hanged from a lamp post since he had ‘become obnoxious to the orators by the loyal tone of the press.’ Shortly afterwards some angry knocks were hear the Prefect of Studies and a future bishop ‘four or five of the soldiers in a state of intoxication entered and pushed forward through the porch and inner door into the corridor They called out for the young men to be led out into the streets to go along with them saying that the students were many of them in bed and begged that they would not disturb them “We have no prisons,” replied Dr Poynter and would have added that the young men were free and happy but the soldiers grew furious.’ In the end some of the students rushed into the streets with the soldiers crying It is unclear whether this was the boys’ rather bold initiative or whether they were forced to do so in order to save their skin Students sometimes chose to venture out prudently wearing the revolutionary cockade As late as August 1792 new students arrived including the great Irish ‘Liberator’ in January 1793 the situation was irrevocably altered by the declaration of war between France and Britain Soon armed guards arrived at the College; rooms were sealed ‘The pretended motive of these proceedings’ ‘was to put our property in security seemed to be gathering against us from people of inferior conditions Despite the attentions of the ‘spiders’ some of the more daring students decided to enter the sealed parts of the college and save some of the treasures One clambered down a rope to save the more precious instruments (including early electrical devices) kept in the Physical Science Room; another climbed up a chimney to enter the President’s Room were thus carried off by four boys and buried in a safe place the hair shirt of St Thomas Becket and the biretta of St Charles Borromeo were hidden on the property itself and only rediscovered during building work in 1927 Most of the archive and library were lost for posterity had the presence of mind to save the valuable Douai Diaries The community was first removed in August 1793 to the relative peace of their country house at Equerchin; the allies had recently captured nearby Valenciennes and an attack on Douai was thought imminent on 12th October the Collegians were told to move to the Scots College in Douai where sleeping accommodation was hurriedly provided in the refectory; space was at a premium since several suspected French aristocrats were also being held there ‘the doors [of the English College] were thrown open for three days during which part of the furniture was sold and the rest of the goods that could easily be moved and carried off was plundered by the mob.’ A few days later they were moved to the Citadelle at Doullens in Picardy In the course of the two-day journey several students managed to escape the Collegians were joined by six English Benedictines from St Gregory’s Douai (a community that later settled at Downside) The stories told by the ‘Confessors of Doullens’ quickly passed into College lore Since Doullens lay in a different diocese to Douai the priests lacked faculties to hear Confession In November 1793 a party of four students climbed down a rope fixed at the top of the castle wall and disappeared into the night to apply for the appropriate documentation from the bishop of Amiens This arrived in time for the Christmas celebrations to sleeping in ‘a black hole’ but added that ‘never did either our superiors or the boys pass a more merry and sportful night at Equerchin.’ The following day they were moved to a larger although conditions were still cramped and the food insufficient A window was unhinged and placed horizontally so that Mass could be discreetly celebrated In May 1794 a large group of new prisoners arrived at Doullens much to the Douai collegians’ delight and the French guards were reportedly astonished by the daily games of Leap-frog and (appropriately enough) Prisoners’ Base petitions were sent to the authorities in the hope that the prisoners would be allowed to return home Eventually the permission was given; the St Omerians were released in October 1794 and left the prison singing the psalm In exitu Israel de Ægypto it was the turn of the remaining Trente-deux as they came to be called: the six Benedictines and 26 from the English College they were kept for several months at the Irish College The regime was comparatively relaxed and in December the students were even given permission to go skating Several students tried to visit their old College They must have been shocked to find the sacristy being used as latrines and the church and refectory as storage space for bedding and linens Gregory Stapleton went to Paris to negotiate the prisoners’ release and the issuing of passports so that they could return home On 13th February 1795 he arrived triumphantly at Douai and uttered the long-remembered words: ‘Good news we are going to England.’ One of those present later recalled ‘I believe we never in the whole course of our lives experienced such lively emotions of joy; many of the collegians gave loud cheers of applause.’ Soon afterwards they crossed from Calais to Dover on an American ship After 18 months of danger and imprisonment and the rich traditions of Douai were continued at Ushaw in the north and St Edmund’s College The first article in this series, From Douai to Allen Hall, is available here 10 September 2020 – Groupe Renault has developed the XCEED (eXtended Compliance End-to-End Distributed) blockchain project to certify the compliance of all vehicle components A tool to meet the growing demand for transparency Designed and implemented in collaboration with leading automotive industry players this tool enables greater responsiveness and efficiency at a time of ever-greater regulatory stringency New market surveillance regulations came into force since September 1st introducing enhanced regulatory controls for vehicles already on the market The entire production chain thus has to adjust its structure to repond to the regulatory authorities within shorter timeframes Based on “Hyperledger Fabric” blockchain technology and deployed in collaboration with IBM the XCEED project is designed to track and certify the regulatory compliance of vehicle components and sub-components A collaborative project with benefits for the wider automotive industry Blockchain technology makes it possible for information to be shared and tracked by several actors underpinning competitiveness and operational excellence in the automotive industry It speeds up the information-sharing process and delivers greater efficiency in a network that is distributed rather than centralised blockchain is used to create a trusted network for sharing compliance information between parts manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers The nature of blockchain technology means each party maintains data control and confidentiality while simultaneously increasing security and confidentiality The security and confidentiality features offered by blockchain prompted the automotive industry to come together for this pioneering initiative XCEED is the result of collaborative work between automotive industry partners (Continental the fruit of collective intelligence and an adaptive agile methodology that marked an unprecedented multi-company approach to data-sharing and project management Testing at Renault’s Douai plant was used to consolidate the value and performance that blockchain technology delivers for the automotive industry with over one million documents archived and a speed of 500 transactions per second “The XCEED project we initiated is a powerful illustration of Groupe Renault’s capacity to innovate We are convinced that blockchain is a vector for transforming the automotive industry,” says Odile Panciatici “Blockchain technology really comes into its own in a vast ecosystem involving a number of different companies providing a link between the partners’ various processes There are multiple uses for this type of technology in the automotive industry where we have exchanges with countless actors from outside the company clients and independent distributors.” To find out more about blockchain, a vector for transforming the future of the automotive industry, click here In the last few years, Kirkland's Signature spirits have turned heads The labeling is plain and product sources are often shrouded in mystery Costco has become one of the world's largest alcohol purveyors And a bottle garnering special attention is the French vodka Many hypothesized the clear booze was a rebottling of Grey Goose the French distillery publicly denied such claims explaining the two liquors do not overlap in any production or distribution the company revealed Kirkland's distillery operates in the same Cognac region of France the resultant vodka takes on a reminiscent palate the two spirits emerged from a different source Costco's Kirkland Signature French vodka is crafted by Gayant Distillery of Douai Distributor company LeVecke Corporation then delivers the bottles to Costco stores Kirkland's Signature French vodka gets its distinct palate through its grain base and distillation process While Grey Goose is crafted specifically from wheat the grain composition of Kirkland's spirit is more secretive Costco's booze also goes through five distillations as opposed to Grey Goose's single run-through Each vodka brand favors a different number of distillations the number of iterations a deft balance of flavor and purity Kirkland's greater number of still run-throughs explains its pristine flavor and fuller mouthfeel Regardless, Gayant Distillery's shrouded process pays off — Kirkland's vodka regularly beats out many competitors in tastings. And with a price tag often under $30, it's a delicious choice for cocktails So check out the French-born vodka; although not made by a famed distiller After the resounding success of their St Nics performance of Mozart’s Requiem Newbury Choral Society moves to Douai Abbey next Saturday for the summer concert which draws on the rich and varied liturgical music of the Church of England been the birthplace of some of the finest examples of English choral music a large body of works which are widely sung in Sunday services The summer concert of the Newbury Choral Society showcases anthems new and old The acoustic of Douai Abbey will be sure to do justice to them Concert-goers who have experienced the atmosphere provided by Douai will relish the opportunity of hearing these great choral works in such a setting with the time-honoured words soaring to the roof all composers who at one time or another brought their skills to the devotional works featured in this concert The words of familiar Biblical texts and the church liturgy find their finest expression here Joe Tobin is sure to bring to their interpretation the care and nuance which have characterised his concerts thus far The concert will take place at Douai Abbey Tickets are available from www.newburychoral.org.uk and from choir members Tickets will also be available at the door The leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer visited West Berkshire today (Tuesday) in the latest stop on his General Election campaign trail He appeared outside the cricket pavilion at Douai Park in Woolhampton on a sunny afternoon to offer his support to Olivia Bailey the Labour candidate for the newly formed constituency of Reading West and Mid Berkshire Sir Keir was welcomed by a crowd of around 100 Labour supporters several of them brandishing red placards with the words “Change” emblazoned on them In his speech he stated it was “incredible to be here for what I hope will be a summer of change The Labour leader began by praising Ms Bailey and said: “She is a brilliant candidate here and will be an even more brilliant MP when we get that over the line on July 4.” He then went on to outline Labour’s vision for the country if he were to be made Prime Minister next month Sir Keir said: “Things are so broken in this country “The country is looking to us to provide change and they want us to get on with it from day one so we can get on with that work of rebuilding our NHS getting those appointments so we can get waiting lists down “Making sure we’ve got the teachers in our secondary schools to give every person the best chance wherever they are “Making sure we’ve got the police to crack down on anti-social behaviour we’ve got the first steps that we will be getting on from day one to deliver the change that this country so desperately needs.” He reminded his party’s supporters that “every fight is an individual fight in an individual constituency where every vote matters” and that “if you want change Sir Keir also had a message for those who hadn’t yet decided who they would cast their vote for on July 4 He said: “Imagine five more years of the Tories where nobody can answer the question ‘what is actually better now than 14 years ago?’” the PM hopeful spent around half an hour speaking to his supporters before heading off back on the trail