Silicon Wafer Projects Proliferate Across Globe

Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--In the evolving digital era, the role of silicon wafers in the technology and electronics sector remains of utmost importance. Due to their high durability, reliability and heat resistance, silicon wafers permeate various electronic devices ranging from smartphones and laptops to solar cells and automotive components.

Silicon wafers are precisely engineered thin circular disks that are manufactured in various sizes with diameters ranging from one inch up to 12 inches. These discs act as a foundational material for fabricating the majority of semiconductor devices and chips, which are integral to nearly all electronics.

Various factors are propelling the global demand for silicon wafers. One of the key demand drivers is the rising market for consumer electronics such as compact electronic devices. Other demand drivers include the rapid shift to electric vehicles for advanced automated systems and the widespread adoption of 5G technology. Demand is further intensified by renewable energy sectors like solar power, where silicon wafers are used for the manufacturing of solar cells in photovoltaic panels.

Industrial Info is tracking US$18.9 billion worth of potential spending toward silicon wafers across 28 active projects globally. North America, Europe and Asia are the top regions with substantial spending towards silicon wafers. With a sizable investment of US$6.72 billion, North America is the top spender, closely followed by Europe with investments worth US$6.28 billion and Asia with potential spending of US$5.8 billion. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Industrial Manufacturing Project Database can click here for a list of detailed project reports.

By country, the U.S., France and China are the prominent investors in silicon wafers accounting for about 97% of the total spending. The U.S. takes the lead with an investment of US$6.72 billion. France comes next with an investment worth US$5.7 billion, with China closely trailing with an investment of US$5.68 billion.

Companies like STMicroelectronics (Geneva, Switzerland) and Sino-American Silicon Products Incorporated (Taiwan) are two of the leading players with significant investments in the silicon wafer market.

STMicroelectronics is investing a significant amount of US$5.7 billion in a semiconductor plant expansion in Crolles, France, to produce 620,000 semiconductor wafers by 2028. This project is part of the "Chips Act," an EU program aiming to quadruple the production of semi-conductors in the EU by 2030. Subscribers can click here for more information.

Another significant project is led by Sino-American Silicon Products Incorporated, which is investing US$5.11 billion worth in setting up semiconductor silicon wafers manufacturing plants in Texas and South Korea. In Texas, the company is setting up grassroot plants in four phases, while in South Korea, spending is geared toward expanding an existing silicon wafer manufacturing plant to meet shortage of wafers due to rising demand. Subscribers can click here for the related projects.

Despite occasional supply disruptions, the silicon wafers market is set to grow in the near future as continuous investments keep fueling growth. Apart from private investors, there are various governmental initiatives that are helping to drive the production of silicon wafers.

According to the new Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) forecast, silicon wafer shipments for semiconductor applications are expected to reach 16,490 million square inches (MSI) by 2025, from 11,810 MSI in 2019.

Subscribers can click here for a list of projects mentioned in this article and click here for the related plant profiles.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking more than 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 Trillion (USD).