Dresden's Semiconductor Boom Drives Infrastructure Upgrade
Dresden's demand for electricity and news is soaring due to the booming semiconductor industry in Silicon Saxony. Major players like Global Foundries, Bosch, Infineon, and ESMC are establishing or expanding their factories in the northern part of the city, crucial for European chip production. The city is responding with significant investments to ensure a future-proof infrastructure and maintain its appeal for these companies.
Electricity demand is projected to increase dramatically, with estimates suggesting a near fivefold rise by 2045, driven by the growing microtechnology industry and the shift away from fossil fuels. To meet this demand, new substations are being constructed and existing ones expanded, with a new one in Altwilschdorf set to be operational by 2030. Meanwhile, water consumption has risen by around 25,000 cubic meters in about 15 years and is expected to continue increasing. To tackle this, a new river waterworks in Ubigau is being built to treat water from the Elbe for industrial use, keeping it separate from the supply system for private households.
Infineon Technologies AG is currently constructing a new semiconductor factory in the northern part of Dresden. While it's unlikely to be operational by the end of 2023, the focus is on completing the building structure and preparing for equipment installation, with more milestones expected in the coming years. The city is also investing heavily in expanding the water network, with costs estimated to exceed 300 million euros, without restricting the drinking water supply. New power lines are being planned to bring water, fiber optics, and electricity to new locations in Dresden. Additionally, a central industrial collector is being constructed by the Stadtentwässerung Dresden to transport industrial wastewater from the northern part of the city to the wastewater treatment plant in Kaditz.
Dresden's semiconductor industry is thriving, but it's also driving a significant increase in electricity and water demand. The city is proactively addressing these challenges with substantial investments in infrastructure, ensuring a future-proof supply and maintaining its status as an attractive location for semiconductor companies.
