Business France and RTE partnership agreement

Business France and RTE thereby promote the economic attractiveness of France, via its infrastructure, and the provision of sites suitable for hosting key industrial projects.

By combining  their respective expertise and knowledge concerning, on the one hand, the electricity needs of foreign investors (required electrical power, volumes and consumption profile) and, on the other hand, the capacity to accommodate new consumption needs on the electricity transmission network, this strategic partnership should make it easier to identify sites suitable for welcoming electro-intensive industrialists to France and to anticipate new investments.

This partnership reflects the importance given to the quality of the electricity network and access to carbon-free electricity (nuclear and renewable energies) in the location choices of industrial investors.

These are differentiating criteria for the economic attractiveness and competitiveness of the nation, in particular for the green technology sector (electric vehicle batteries, etc.), major industries that require decarbonization (chemical, agrochemicals, etc.) or data centers. Recent success stories reflect the realization of this collaboration.

In 2023, 1,815 foreign investment decisions were recorded, according to the Annual Report from Business France. The industry and construction sectors accounted for 48% of foreign investments and 43% of jobs generated.

“For foreign businesses, access to competitive, carbon-free electricity is a determining factor in France’s economic attractiveness. This partnership between Business France and RTE will fast-track our ability to quickly identify locations suitable for major strategic projects, in line with the ‘France 2030’ objectives and promoting the transition to a zero-carbon economy. Together, we’re working towards a greener and more competitive industry, one that matches the environmental and economic aspirations of our country.”

Laurent Saint-Martin, Chief Executive Officer at Business France

“Decarbonizing industry and attracting new industrial investors will require increased use of electricity, replacing gas and oil in particular. Now more than ever, the French electricity transmission network is a factor in economic attractiveness for businesses. Through this strategic partnership, RTE and Business France are mobilizing and working together to support the re-industrialization of France, by strengthening its attractiveness and competitiveness.”

Xavier Piechaczyk, Chairman of the RTE Management Board

RTE maintains and develops an electricity transmission network of more than 107,000 km of high and very high voltage lines, which positions itself as a vehicle of France’s economic attractiveness. The next strategic plan for the network, by 2040, will identify areas for renewal and development of the transport network, which are essential to maintain and increase the attractiveness of France for manufacturers.

By joining Team France Invest, RTE will also continue to raise awareness, among those involved in promoting the economic attractiveness of France, regarding the challenges of network development and the decarbonization of industry to better guide industrial project leaders.