Airbus has chosen ENGIE to implement energy solutions aimed at decarbonising 22 of its industrial sites in France, Germany, and Spain. This selection followed a competitive tender process, culminating in a framework contract signed at the recent Paris Air Show. ENGIE will provide customised energy solutions tailored specifically to each site’s requirements. These solutions are expected to enable a substantial reduction of 85% in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) at these industrial sites by 2030, compared to 2015 levels.
Diverse technical solutions
The solutions proposed by ENGIE include installing heat pumps and biomass boilers to decarbonise heat production across various sites. ENGIE’s energy efficiency strategy also encompasses the widespread use of low-energy lamps and intelligent metering systems. Additionally, photovoltaic panels will be installed in various formats—including rooftop, ground-mounted, and solar canopies—to ensure local renewable electricity production. An intelligent energy management system will complement these technical installations.
An initial phase of the contract, set to commence this summer, involves developing precise decarbonisation roadmaps tailored for each industrial site. These roadmaps will feature detailed engineering studies ahead of a gradual implementation phase starting from 2026. All equipment is scheduled to be fully operational by 2029 at the latest. ENGIE will also be responsible for operating and maintaining the installed infrastructure post-implementation.
Enhanced partnership between Airbus and ENGIE
Airbus and ENGIE have collaborated for over 40 years, particularly in France, where major projects such as a 20 MW biomass heating plant in Toulouse and an 8 MW facility in Nantes are already underway. This new agreement expands their cooperation to Germany and Spain, marking a significant milestone in their partnership.
ENGIE clearly articulates its strategic ambition to become a benchmark for industrial decarbonisation across Europe. Currently engaged with 160 European industrial sites, the company aims to expand this to 250 sites by 2030 through a diversified range of local renewable energy solutions.
According to Frank Lacroix, Deputy CEO of ENGIE in charge of Local Energy Infrastructures activities, “This partnership is founded upon a long-standing and trusted relationship established with Airbus. It highlights our capacity to deploy robust energy solutions at an industrial scale in three of our key European countries.”
Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications at Airbus, states that “The alliance between Airbus teams’ local expertise and ENGIE’s technical know-how will be a winning combination for achieving our objectives.”
