Launch of EMME Refinery Project in Gironde Sparks Sharp Criticism Over France's Industrial Contradictions
The foundation stone has been laid for the new EMME refinery in Gironde, sparking fierce debate over France's industrial policy amid reliance on Chinese machinery and threats to existing plants.
- The foundation stone for the EMME refinery plant was laid on Tuesday, November 10, in Parempuyre, Gironde.
- Actual construction work is expected to begin in 2027, utilizing machinery and modules manufactured in Asia.
- Project opponents condemn the state's 'industrial contradictions' at a time when the Sandouville nickel refinery near Le Havre faces potential closure.
On Tuesday, November 10, the municipality of Parempuyre in the Gironde department hosted the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the new "EMME" refinery project, marking the first operational steps for an industrial endeavor that has triggered widespread controversy and raised numerous questions across French circles.
Reliance on Asian Machinery and Postponement to 2027
According to project data, actual construction work will not commence until 2027. The facility is notably reliant in part on components and machinery bearing the "Made in China" label, with several industrial units and equipment slated for direct import from Asia to operate the future refinery.
Sharp Criticism of State Industrial Policy
The project has provoked the ire of opponents, who denounced what they described as "industrial contradictions" on the part of the French state. The launch of the EMME refinery in Gironde comes at a time when the Sandouville refinery near Le Havre—which also operates in nickel refining—faces the threat of permanent closure and phase-out, placing national industrial development strategies firmly in the crosshairs of criticism.
Source: rue89bordeaux
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