Project progress
The technical development of the project is being carried out in accordance with the Front-End Loading (FEL) methodology, a structured stage-gate approach widely used for industrial projects. FEL1 covers project scoping, FEL2 focuses on feasibility studies, FEL3 on the detailed definition of the process and project configuration, and FEL4 on detailed engineering.
Throughout 2025, the process was further refined and optimized across all key dimensions of the project, including process performance, risk management, and environmental sustainability.
As part of this continuous improvement effort, the process was redesigned to eliminate the use of sulfur dioxide.
With respect to flood resilience and water management, dedicated studies and simulations were conducted, notably by Artelia, a leading engineering consultancy. These studies enabled the design of an embankment profile capable of protecting the site, without adverse impacts on neighboring areas, against flood events up to a 100-year return period combined with a 120 cm sea-level rise scenario at Le Verdon-sur-Mer. This protection level exceeds the requirements of the Flood Risk Prevention Plan (PPRI) and corresponds to the most conservative IPCC climate change scenario projected for 2150.
The project’s environmental footprint has also been significantly reduced vs its initial version, potential noise and light emissions have been minimized through dedicated design optimizations. The site layout was optimized to preserve an ecological corridor crossing the project area, as well as existing trees and riparian habitats, thereby maintaining their ecological functions and supporting local biodiversity. Water consumption requirements have been substantially reduced through the implementation of closed-loop water recycling systems within the process. The use of harvested rainwater has also been maximized through dedicated storage facilities.
The process has further been adapted to enable the use of feedstock derived from end-of-life battery recycling from the very start of commercial operations.
Several of the improvements and innovations incorporated into the EMME process are the subject of intellectual property protection filings.
During the first half of 2026, the engineering teams are finalizing the specification of key process equipment and preparing for site construction, while the administrative permitting process continues in parallel.
Administrative Permitting and Regulatory Approvals
Following a voluntary consultation process conducted in 2024, a formal public consultation was held during the first half of 2025 under the supervision of the French National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP). All aspects of the project were presented to stakeholders and the public through a series of public meetings held in Parempuyre, Blanquefort, and other municipalities within the Bordeaux metropolitan area.
Following the consultation process and the report issued by the CNDP appointed guarantors, the Environmental Authorization Application (DDAE) and the application relating to the Alignment of Planning Documents (MECDU) were reviewed by the relevant State services, regulatory authorities, and statutory bodies during the second half of 2025.
The DDAE is the regulatory file required for facilities classified under the French environmental protection regime (Installations Classées pour la Protection de l’Environnement – ICPE). Governed by the French Environmental Code, it includes a comprehensive technical and administrative description of the project, together with environmental impact assessments, risk assessments, and supporting technical studies. The EMME project DDAE comprised more than 4,000 pages.
Upon completion of the regulatory review phase, a public inquiry was conducted from 15 December 2025 to 15 January 2026. In February 2026, the Public Inquiry Commission issued a favorable opinion without reservations. In its conclusions, the Commission highlighted that:
“EMME has submitted a particularly comprehensive application, clearly demonstrating the strategic importance of the project for French industry while providing robust safeguards and a genuine consideration of environmental issues.”
The building permit application was reviewed by the relevant State services and competent authorities during the first half of 2026.
As a result of these regulatory processes, the request for the Alignment of Planning Documents (MECDU) was approved by the Prefet in May 2026. Additionally the project's building permits were granted in June 2026.
Project high-level timeline
Project Construction in Close Partnership with the Local Community
Construction of the project is expected to commence in the second half of 2026, following the receipt of all required regulatory approvals and the completion of the archaeological excavation program prescribed by the French authorities.
To secure the project schedule while minimizing construction-related impacts, EMME has adopted a modular construction approach. The major process units and equipment will be fabricated off-site and transported to the facility by sea for final assembly on site, as illustrated in the project presentation video.
The construction phase will be undertaken in close partnership with local stakeholders and the surrounding community. To ensure efficient communication and foster continuous engagement, EMME will establish a dedicated Construction Monitoring Committee and implement a structured communications program, providing regular updates on project progress to local authorities, elected officials, economic stakeholders, community organizations, media representatives, and residents throughout the construction period.
