The partnership also includes a financial participation by ZF in the planned construction of the most modern and largest 200-mm silicon carbide semiconductor production facility in Ensdorf, Saarland. Both the joint research centre and the Wolfspeed factory are an integral part of the EU's IPCEI project of common European interest for microelectronics and communication technologies. Their approval by the EU Commission under state aid law is still pending. "These initiatives strengthen the resilience of European supply chains while supporting the European Green Deal and the strategic goals of Europe's Digital Decade," says Holger Klein, CEO of ZF.
Creating a network for silicon carbide
The joint research centre of ZF and Wolfspeed will focus on the fields of electromobility and renewable energies. The aim of the cooperation is to develop innovations for silicon carbide systems, products and applications. This will cover the entire value chain from chips to complete systems. Further cooperation partners are currently still being sought.
See also: Wacker plans more silicon metal production in Norway
Wolfspeed has 35 years of experience in silicon carbide technology. The US company is planning to build an automated 200-millimetre wafer factory in Saarland. ZF intends to support this new construction with a three-digit million euro amount in exchange for Wolfspeed ordinary shares. As part of this investment, ZF will receive a minority stake in the factory in Ensdorf. Wolfspeed will have control and operational management of the new factory. ZF and Wolfspeed have already been working together since 2019 in a strategic partnership to develop electric powertrains with silicon carbide inverters. (nhp/mfo)
Also interesting: Fronius investing hugely in expanding production
