Nowadays, with the vigorous development of the global semiconductor industry, Infineon Technologies is once again at the forefront of industry change with its forward-looking layout and innovative technology. The company announced the official opening of the first phase of its Kulim 3 facility in Malaysia, which focuses not only on the production of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, but also on the development of gallium nitride (GaN) peripheral wafers. This move heralds Infineon's leadership in the global power semiconductor industry and demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
The strategic significance of the project
Infineon's Kulim 3 project is a landmark investment. In 2022, the company announced a phase of construction with an investment of up to $2 billion and is expected to create 900 high-value jobs. Then, in August 2023, Infineon announced a $5 billion investment in the second phase of the company, with the goal of building Kulim 3 into the world's largest and most efficient 8-inch SiC power semiconductor fab by 2028.
Figure: Infineon opens its third plant in Kulim, Malaysia
Technology & Market Prospects
Silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), as a new generation of power semiconductor materials, are key technologies in fields such as electric vehicles, solar and wind energy systems, and AI data centers due to their high efficiency, high withstand voltage, and high frequency. According to Fortune Business Insights, the market size of GaN and SiC power semiconductors will grow significantly by 2032, and the efficiency benefits of these materials will continue to be used in automotive electronics, industrial motors, and photovoltaic inverters.
Economic and environmental benefits
Infineon has already secured around EUR 5 billion in new design orders and approximately EUR 1 billion in upfront payments from existing and new customers for the ongoing expansion of Kulim 3. These orders include six automotive OEMs, underlining the high level of market acceptance of Infineon's technology. In addition, Malaysia's Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Infineon's project will enhance Malaysia's position as a global semiconductor hub and support the country's climate protection efforts.
Environmentally-friendly production
The Kulim 3 site will use 100 percent green electricity and adopt the latest energy efficiency measures to support Infineon's goal of carbon neutrality. The site will use advanced abatement systems and green refrigerants with very low global warming potential, as well as other measures to ensure sustainable operations, such as advanced recycling of indirect materials and water efficiency and recycling processes. Infineon is committed to achieving the prestigious Green Building Index certification.
summary
Infineon's Kulim 3 project in Malaysia demonstrates not only the company's leadership in the global power semiconductor market, but also its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. With the growing global demand for high-efficiency, low-energy technologies, Infineon's strategic investment is expected to further strengthen its leading position in the global semiconductor industry and make an important contribution to the global green transition.
Infineon's Kulim 3 project is an example of how technological innovation can be combined with environmental protection to promote industrial upgrading and sustainable development. With the gradual completion of the project and the gradual release of production capacity, we look forward to seeing a greener, more efficient and innovative semiconductor industry ecology that will contribute to global scientific and technological progress and environmental protection.
