Intel is making waves in the technology sector, sparking a European revolution by launching its high-volume production of Intel 4 technology in Ireland. This marks the first instance of extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) used for European mass production. The move solidifies Intel’s commitment to a fast-paced production strategy and boosts Europe’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
The tech giant’s investments in Ireland, Germany, and Poland are fuelling a cutting-edge value chain across the continent. Intel’s dedication to sustainability is also evident in its Ireland Climate Action Plan. The company is also giving back to local communities, recently announcing a €1 million donation to the Leixlip community.
European Semiconductor Manufacturing Revolution
With the commencement of high-volume production of its Intel 4 technology in Ireland, Intel has ushered in a new era for European semiconductor manufacturing. This milestone marks the first instance of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography being employed on a mass scale in the region. EUV lithography is a cutting-edge technology – built by ASML in Veldhoven – that enables the production of smaller, more efficient chips. Intel’s adoption of this technology is a testament to its commitment to innovation and manufacturing prowess.
Intel’s new Fab 34 facility in Leixlip, Ireland, is at the heart of this technological leap forward. With an investment of €17 million, Intel has transformed the facility into a high-tech manufacturing hub that can meet the growing demand for advanced semiconductor devices. The commencement of high-volume production using Intel 4 technology in Leixlip is a major step towards establishing a robust semiconductor manufacturing value chain in Europe.
Powering Tech Evolution with Intel 4
Intel 4 technology, previously called the 7nm node, brings significant advancements in performance and power efficiency. This technology offers a 20% increase in clock speed, reduced power consumption, and significantly improved Intel’s current Intel 7 process node. It will power the upcoming Intel Core Ultra processors and future-generation Intel Xeon processors, providing the computational muscle needed for demanding applications such as artificial intelligence.
Intel’s ambitious plan to bring five new process nodes in the next four years is catalyzed by adopting ASML’s latest EUV lithography systems. These systems facilitate the high-volume production of nodes as small as 7nm to 5nm, putting Intel in a strong position in the competitive semiconductor race.
Building a Resilient Supply Chain
Intel’s investments extend beyond Ireland. The company plans to invest €17 billion in a new semiconductor fab in Germany and €12 billion in expanding its existing fab in Ireland. It also plans to build a new R&D and design hub in France, further strengthening its European presence. The total investment in European R&D and manufacturing will exceed €33 billion, part of a total of €80 billion invested in the EU over the next decade.
These investments are not only about enhancing Intel’s manufacturing capabilities. They are also about creating a more resilient and sustainable supply chain for semiconductors. The construction of new fabs and the expansion of existing ones will help to address supply shortages in the industry.
Sustainability
Intel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its Ireland Climate Action Plan. The company aims to achieve 100% renewable electricity, net positive water, and zero waste to landfills by 2030 at its Leixlip campus. In 2022, 88% of the water used was returned to the River Liffey, and only 0.6% of waste was sent to landfills. Intel’s plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across global operations by 2040 and net-zero upstream greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 demonstrates the company’s dedication to sustainability.
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