On Friday, 13 June 2025, Alstom – the global frontrunner in sustainable and intelligent mobility – officially opened its cutting‑edge “Delta” facility in Aix‑en‑Provence.
The inauguration ceremony presided over by Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France, brought together customers, public officials and regional business leaders to mark a pivotal moment in the company’s expansion and innovation strategy.
A hub for tomorrow’s mobility
The Delta complex consolidates several key technology streams under one roof, empowering Alstom to respond to tomorrow’s transportation challenges:
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Digital signalling and control
for metros and trams, engineered to conform with the highest standards in safety and cybersecurity.
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Advanced electric charging systems
for trams, buses and, in the future, electrified road networks—supporting the EU’s impending ban on internal combustion engines.
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A “mega factory” for high‑power hydrogen fuel cells
operated by Alstom’s Helion Hydrogen Power subsidiary, which manufactures next‑generation stacks destined for heavy transport, maritime and stationary power applications.
A major local presence
Located on the Plan d’Aillane industrial zone, the 7,300 m² Delta site now houses nearly 300 Alstom employees, agency staff and contractors. Previously, teams were scattered across three regional facilities. Bringing them together enhances collaboration and innovation, a move driven by Frédéric Wiscart’s ambition to improve synergies and generate informal cross‑fertilisation among experts.
Helion’s hydrogen fuel‑cell leap
At the heart of the site is Helion’s 1,500 m² fuel‑cell factory, a fully French‑designed, automated “mega factory” with a daily output of up to 4 stacks or 1 FC‑Rack subsystem. This facility underpins a goal to ramp up capacity to 30 MW per year, with applications ranging from heavy‑rail hydrogen trains to the world’s first hydrogen‑powered dredger.
Anchored in the region, connected to the community
Alstom has deepened its roots in Provence with the Delta site. It draws connections with local academic institutions, including École Centrale de Marseille and ENSAM Aix‑en‑Provence, and social outreach organisations like Elles Bougent and Nos Quartiers ont des Talents. It’s a demonstration of both industrial and civic commitment to the region.
Designed with sustainability in mind
Architects Cogedim, Marc Farcy and JLL‑Tetris, alongside Groupama Immobilier, created a modern, eco‑responsible complex. The administrative wing has achieved BREEAM “Very Good” certification, featuring intelligent energy management systems.
Why “Delta” matters
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1. Innovation hub
Delta unites R&D, manufacturing and labs, offering a dynamic environment designed to spur ideation and rapid prototyping.
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2. Decarbonisation driver
Via hydrogen, digital control and electric charging, the site aligns directly with Europe’s net‑zero transport ambitions.
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3. Industrial sovereignty
All fuel‑cell “stacks” are “Made in France”, underlining France’s strategic autonomy in critical green technologies.
In the words of Alstom
“We are proud to cross an important milestone in our regional roots,” said Frédéric Wiscart. “This industrial implantation confirms our ambition to develop high‑performance, sustainable solutions that benefit our customers.”
Looking ahead
With Delta fully operational, Alstom strengthens its capacity to deliver hydrogen‑powered trains, electric buses and trams, and digital rail systems. The site positions Aix‑en‑Provence and the broader Région Sud as a leading hub for sustainable mobility, emblematic of a greener future for Europe and beyond.
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