Urban development in Dresden: Major investments in water, power, and high-speed internet infrastructure.

Dresden Pursues Future-Proof Infrastructure for Chip Industry

Dresden, a city known for its thriving semiconductor industry, is making significant strides in infrastructure development to meet the surging demand for electricity and water. The city is investing over 300 million euros in various projects to ensure its continued success in the microtechnology sector.

The heart of these developments is the construction of a new river water treatment plant in Ubigau. This facility will process water from the Elbe for industrial use, returning it to the river separately from the household supply system. This move will ensure increased supply reliability for upcoming chip factories, such as those of Infineon and ESMC.

The semiconductor industry, spearheaded by global players like Global Foundries, Bosch, Infineon, and the new ESMC plant, is settling in Dresden's north, building or expanding their facilities. The demand for electricity in Dresden is expected to nearly fivefold by 2045 due to the shift away from fossil fuels and the growing importance of the microtechnology industry.

To meet this rising demand, 50Hertz GmbH is planning to replace the substation in Schmoelln, expand the substation in Streumen, and build new 380 kV overhead lines between Dresden's north and Schmoelln, between Großenhain and Dresden's north, and between Streumen and Großenhain. A brand-new substation is also being built in Altwilschdorf by 2030.

In addition to electricity, Dresden's water infrastructure is also undergoing an extensive and complex expansion. With Dresden's consumption expected to double within the next 20 years, the city is working diligently to ensure a steady supply of water for industrial use.

The city administration is also prioritising the expansion of fiber optic networks, with new connections planned for Hellerau, Klotzsche, Weixdorf, and Wilschdorf. These fiber optic connections are aimed at preparing Dresden for the future, particularly for the upcoming chip factories of Infineon and ESMC.

The collaborative partnerships in Dresden are a key factor in the city's goal to remain the European hub of the semiconductor industry. The close collaboration between political, economic, and scientific actors was underscored at a recent citizen dialogue, attended by around 140 visitors. This dialogue served as a platform to discuss and support these infrastructure developments.

The success of Dresden in the semiconductor industry is attributed to its collaborative partnerships and the shared vision among these actors to create a future-proof infrastructure for the chip industry. These measures taken demonstrate Dresden's commitment to ensuring its continued success in the semiconductor industry and preparing for the challenges of the future.