Bureau Veritas and IDP have been awarded the first major joint contract for the development of the new electric vehicle battery production plant that Stellantis and the Chinese group CATL will build in Figueruelas (Zaragoza). This strategic project, with an investment of €4.1 billion, marks a milestone in the transformation of the automotive sector in Spain and Europe.

The gigafactory, the result of a joint venture between Stellantis and CATL, will occupy a total area of 689,000 m², with 484,000 m² built in its first phase. The plant will specialise in the production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, with an expected capacity of up to 50 GWh per year, and the first production line is expected to be operational in 2026, reaching full capacity in March 2028.

Bureau Veritas and IDP will be responsible for project monitoring and construction management, ranging from tender management to plant commissioning. Their functions will also include health and safety coordination and quality control throughout all phases of the project.

The plant design includes six electric core cables and two plots reserved for future expansion. The logistics of the battery park have been planned with two separate access points: one for pre-processing raw materials and another for post-processing, thus optimising the flow of materials. Finished products will be transferred directly to the module plant via a specially designed material corridor.

These actions consolidate IDP as a strategic player in the development of infrastructure for electric mobility, bringing innovation, efficiency and sustainability to each project.
This contract reinforces the strategic alliance between Bureau Veritas and IDP, consolidating their position as leaders in the technical support of large industrial projects in Europe.