FRANKFURT – “Europe must increase its capacities for the production of microelectronics chips in order to better avoid future supply bottlenecks and to be able to better survive as an industrial location in international competition.”

That’s according to ZVEI managing director Wolfgang Weber, who notes, “In Europe, 25% of the power semiconductors manufactured worldwide are currently installed by the user industries. In order to secure this added value, the supply of microelectronics to these industries, including from Europe, must be strengthened.”

The market for power semiconductors will increase from $21 billion to about $62 billion by 2030, according to ZVEI. This triples the demand for this technology, which, among other things, feeds renewable energy into the power grid. This development is mainly driven by the industrial, solar, wind and automotive sectors, the firm says.

The swift implementation of the second Important Project of Common European Interest for microelectronics must have the highest political priority, says ZVEI. The main focus is on its financial structure and the securing of the necessary personnel capacities.

"Even if the Bundestag elections are imminent, the preparatory work for the IPCEI under German leadership must be completed quickly.”

In addition, a long-term strategy is needed to strengthen semiconductor production in Germany and Europe.

"The goal must be to substantially expand research, development and production through active location policy and the promotion of industrialization."

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