Wolfspeed is apparently planning a chip factory in Ensdorf

After the demolition of the power plant in Ensdorf, a semiconductor factory is to be built on the site. The Handelsblatt had initially reported on this. Apparently, the US group Wolfspeed is planning an investment of more than two billion euros in Saarland.

Up to 1000 jobs

Accordingly, the world’s largest plant for semiconductors made of silicon carbide (SiC) should be reached. Production in Ensdorf is scheduled to start in four years. The Handelsblatt learned this from circles familiar with the project.

According to SR information, up to 1,000 jobs could be created on the former power plant site. The Saarbrücken gearbox manufacturer ZF was probably the decisive factor for the Saarland. Both groups have been cooperating for several years. The automotive supplier announced in November that it intends to convert its Saarbrücken location into a lead plant for electric drive systems.

Publicly traded company Wolfspeed manufactures specialty chips for energy and high-frequency applications such as transportation, power supplies, inverters and wireless systems. Customers include Mercedes. Only at the beginning of the year did the FAZ report that these two companies wanted to expand their existing cooperation.

Chancellor plans trip to Saarland

There has been speculation about the settlement for several months. According to SR information, the negotiations have been going on for over a year.

The federal government also apparently considers it very important, because both Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) are apparently planning to travel to Saarland for the official announcement of the project.

According to SR information, it is planned that the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor together with the Saarland Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger (SPD) and representatives of the management of Wolfspeed and ZF will officially present the project in Saarland at a meeting in early February.

Ensdorf power station will be demolished in two years

The power plant is scheduled to be demolished in about two years. Only the substation remains. The approximately 30-hectare southern site is to be converted into building land before it is demolished. The aim is to set up companies there as quickly as possible – especially in connection with the still uncertain future of the Saarlouis Ford site.

VSU sees good signal

If the plans are implemented, the establishment would be “a good signal for the Saarland” according to the Association of Saarland Business Associations (VSU). It is “important to get new companies and sectors interested in getting involved in Saarland,” says VSU Managing Director Martin Schlechter. “With the last large settlements, the state government has already taken important steps in this direction.”

The SR radio news of January 20, 2023 also reported on this topic.