DRESDEN (dpa-AFX) - Starting in 2030, the semiconductor industry in Dresden is set to source its industrial water from a river water treatment plant on the Elbe. Sachsenenergie has announced that Hochtief has been appointed as the general contractor for the planning, permitting, and construction of the facility. Current estimates place the investment at over 300 million euros, with the State of Saxony contributing 100 million euros and the City of Dresden providing 50 million euros.
Water plant to enable growth in the semiconductor sector
'A high-performance and reliable water and energy infrastructure is one of the fundamental prerequisites for semiconductor production,' said Frank Bösenberg, Managing Director of the industry association Silicon Saxony. He noted that the river water plant provides a catalyst for further growth in the local semiconductor industry. Silicon Saxony plans to release precise development figures next week. 'All signs point to growth,' Bösenberg added as a preview.
On July 2, Infineon will open its new plant in Dresden - three months ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, the ESMC chip factory is under construction in the north of the city - a project by Taiwanese industry giant TSMC in partnership with Bosch, Infineon, and NXP Semiconductor. This investment totals ten billion euros, while Infineon is investing approximately five billion euros in its own new manufacturing facility.
Water plant for security of supply
Lord Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP) views the river water plant as a central component 'to further strengthen Dresden's leading role as the heart of European microelectronics.' He stated that the plant conserves precious water resources while ensuring security of supply for Dresden as a semiconductor hub. Furthermore, the project is vital for the public drinking water supply, as it decouples industrial and drinking water systems.
'Anyone talking about Europe's semiconductor future cannot ignore Saxony. Silicon Saxony already demonstrates what European technological leadership can look like. Now it is a matter of consistently expanding this strength and establishing Saxony as a central pillar of European technological sovereignty,' emphasized Saxon MEP Oliver Schenk (CDU).
Capacity expansion to quench industry's thirst by 2030
To future-proof the water supply for both the population and industry, Sachsenenergie is gradually separating the drinking water supply from the industrial water supply. The plant is being built in the Übigau district and is scheduled to supply chip manufacturers in northern Dresden via two underground pipelines starting in late 2030. Until then, a capacity expansion at the Hosterwitz waterworks is intended to satisfy the industry's growing 'thirst.'
Majority of extracted water returns treated to the Elbe
The facility can provide up to 67,000 cubic meters of water daily. Between 80 and 90 percent of the water used will be returned to the Elbe via the city's drainage system after treatment. It was noted that even during low water levels in the Elbe, less than 0.23 percent of the water flowing through Dresden per second would be extracted.
According to Sachsenenergie CEO Frank Brinkmann, the construction of the river water plant is also attracting international interest. The experience gained so far is already being sought after by other regions in Germany and Europe, with inquiries coming from the Netherlands and France, among others. The project could thus serve as a model for other industrial hubs./jos/DP/jha
