One year after the launch of the public consultation on the cathode active materials (CAM) plant project for batteries in Saint-Saulve (Northern France), the project has been selected by the Élysée as one of the “150 major strategic projects”. A new positive signal for the project’s future, following its Net Zero label awarded by the French State and the approval for the Green Industry Investment Tax Credit (C3IV).
Axens is proud that the MACARON project has been selected among 150 flagship projects in France as part of the announcements made by the President of the Republic. This is an additional recognition of the strategic importance of locally producing advanced battery materials for French and European industrial sovereignty.
The MACARON project awarded the Net Zero label by the French State in March 2026
The project has been recognized as strategic project in order to “reduce Europe’s industrial dependency in the field of strategic battery materials, strengthen the resilience of the European electric vehicle value chain, and contribute to achieving the European Union’s climate and energy objectives.” As such, the French State has awarded the Net Zero label to the MACARON project. This decision will be communicated to the European Union and will allow the MACARON project to benefit from close attention by the relevant authorities during the process of obtaining the various permits and authorizations required for the construction of the plant.
MACARON project approved for the Green Industry Investment Tax Credit (C3IV) early 2026
At the beginning of 2026, the MACARON project received approval for the Green Industry Investment Tax Credit (C3IV). This scheme, created by the Finance Law of December 20, 2023, aims to support industrial projects in four identified sectors contributing to the energy transition, including the battery value chain.
As a cathode active materials producer, the MACARON project will be eligible for support covering 25% of the productive investment. In concrete terms, the French State will support the project by reimbursing 25% of the expenses related to the construction of the plant and the installation of equipment to Licamax. This support is absolutely essential to enable the development of the project and the creation of a genuine battery industry in France.
Next steps for the MACARON project
Applications for environmental authorization and building permits will be submitted in the coming weeks and will lead to a public inquiry scheduled for summer 2026.
The final investment decision is targeted for mid‑2027, with start‑up envisaged by 2030.
More information about the project: www.concertation-macaron.fr
About Axens
The AXENS Group (www.axens.net) offers a comprehensive range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass into cleaner fuels, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, chemical recycling of plastics and metals, natural gas treatment and conversion solutions, carbon capture, and environmental solutions for air and water treatment.
The offering includes technologies, equipment such as furnaces and modular units, catalysts, adsorbents, and associated services. AXENS is ideally positioned to cover the entire value chain, from feasibility studies to start up and long term operational support throughout the lifecycle of industrial units. This unique positioning guarantees optimal performance and a reduced environmental footprint.
AXENS’ international offering is supported by highly skilled teams, modern production facilities, and a global network dedicated to industrial services, technical support, and commercial operations.
AXENS is a company of the IFP Energies Nouvelles Group.
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