Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations Partners with Ortec Group for EV Charging Stations

On June 13, 2025, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC), a prominent French public investment institution, announced its strategic partnership with Ortec Group, a major player in energy and infrastructure, to deploy ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across France. This initiative, structured as a joint venture with a combined investment of €84 million, is part of a broader effort to facilitate the transition towards carbon-neutral mobility in the country.

The investment allocation in this venture sees Ortec Group holding a 51% stake while CDC retains 49%. The project aims to install over 600 high-performance charging points nationwide, targeting a significant reduction of approximately 800,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over a span of 30 years. The charging infrastructure will operate under the Oreve brand, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of EV charging facilities for both heavy-duty vehicles and passenger cars.

According to Eric Villateau, Finance & Project Partner at DLA Piper, who led the advisory team on this venture, "This partnership marks a pivotal step in advancing France's energy transition while supporting sustainable transport solutions. DLA Piper is committed to aiding key stakeholders like Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations in their strategic investments that contribute to a decarbonized energy model."

The collaboration aligns with the French government's ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote electric vehicles as a means to combat climate change. France has set a target to phase out gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2040, thereby necessitating substantial investments in EV infrastructure.

Dr. Marie Dupont, an expert in sustainable energy at the University of Paris, commented, "The establishment of ultra-fast charging stations is crucial for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. This partnership not only addresses current infrastructure gaps but also supports the long-term sustainability of urban mobility."

The initiative represents the initial phase of a nationwide rollout of high-power charging infrastructure, pivotal for meeting the growing demand for EVs in France. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of such collaborations in accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy. As stated by Jean-Marc Girard, CEO of Ortec Group, "Our partnership with CDC is instrumental in driving innovation in the energy sector and providing the necessary infrastructure to support a sustainable future."

The implications of this project extend beyond environmental benefits; it also presents economic opportunities in job creation within the emerging green technology sector. As the demand for clean energy solutions rises, the collaboration between CDC and Ortec Group is anticipated to bolster local economies by fostering new employment opportunities in the EV infrastructure domain.

Looking ahead, the success of this venture may serve as a model for similar initiatives across Europe, as cities and countries strive to meet their climate commitments. The partnership underscores the critical role of public-private collaborations in advancing infrastructure projects that align with national and international sustainability goals. Future phases of the project may also include the integration of renewable energy sources to power the charging stations, further enhancing their environmental sustainability. The momentum generated by this initiative could catalyze further investments in clean energy technologies and infrastructure across the continent.