Consultations

CNDP report summary

The voluntary public consultation led by EMME and RTE companies (RTE being in charge of the electrical connection) and conducted under the guidance of the French National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP), took place from March 24 to May 15, 2025. The guarantors’ report was issued on June 10, 2025.

The CNDP guarantors highlighted several notable aspects regarding the consultation process:

  • The high quality of information provided by EMME, RTE, and the Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux (GPMB), as well as the strong commitment of their teams.

  • Varied levels of participation depending on the format:

    • Public meetings gathered nearly 300 participants;

    • Lower attendance was observed for workshops and panel discussions.

  • An appreciated diversity of communication channels, including site visits, mobile stands.

  • The valuable and essential contributions of experts — including academics, researchers, and consultants.

Next steps in consultation process

In its official response to the guarantors' report, EMME confirmed its commitment to move forward with the creation of a unique industrial hub in France, located on the Parempuyre–Blanquefort industrial-port site, dedicated to producing critical materials for electric mobility. This €500 million project will create 500 jobs, including 200 on-site positions. Based on recommendations received during the consultation, EMME has strengthened its commitments in the areas of resource consumption, environmental impact, and local economic development.

To maintain a transparent and continuous dialogue with the public, EMME launched an ongoing consultation process in end of August 2025, aiming to:

  • Keep the public informed;

  • Share updates on commitments made.

This ongoing consultation will continue through to the public inquiry scheduled for the end of the year.

The ongoing public consultation framework

Message from the CNDP Guarantor

“Throughout the first semester, Richard Pasquet and I had the responsibility of overseeing the preliminary public consultation for the project led by the company EMME in your region. We worked to ensure that the dialogue between the company and the public was as open, constructive, and transparent as possible. We recorded your questions, comments, suggestions, and opinions, along with the company’s responses, and included all of this in our final consultation report, which also contains recommendations for the company should it decide to move forward with the project. EMME has since confirmed to the French National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) its decision to pursue the project. This marks the beginning of a new phase involving the submission of various administrative authorization requests to the relevant authorities.

During this phase — and leading up to the public inquiry — you have the right to receive information about the project's progress that is just as reliable and transparent as before. The CNDP has appointed me to act as guarantor of this ongoing consultation, to ensure your rights are respected and that meaningful dialogue with the company continues.

I will be present at upcoming events, meetings, and workshops organized by the company starting this September, to help uphold the commitments made both to you and to the CNDP.”

Jean-Michel Thornary, CNDP Appointed Guarantor