The Flanders Semiconductor Board stresses the importance of developing semiconductor processing facilities in Europe, especially in specialized niche and strategic technologies. The BelGan GaN processing facility in Oudenaarde presented a great opportunity, but unfortunately, BelGan filed for bankruptcy due to the lack of funding needed to complete fab conversion and scaling. While converting a CMOS fab to a state-of-the-art GaN process line is costly, it’s far more economical than building an advanced nanometer CMOS fab from scratch. GaN technology is crucial to accelerate the ‘smartification’ of the electricity grid allowing an efficient and increased use of renewable energy. Such a transition should therefore be supported by governments and investment funds since it aligns with the European Chips Act. It’s crucial that we seize such opportunities to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor industry. While R&D undoubtedly has long term benefits on regional employment, an industrial activity creates jobs immediately and has a direct an measurable return on the local economy.
Dirk Beernaert
3mo
I totally agree. This is no longer a niche but a main stream technology for many applications. Some major european companies (German / French-Italian) have understood this and are scaling up. As a smaller entity but with some superior technological assets, some governmental support is essential to benefit from the investments alteady die one. European support and some alliances may be essential, may be more vertical rather than horizontal cooperation are to be looked for. I am sure there are some opportunities that wil come to continue the path/ strategy. Good luck. Dirk, previous technology mgr Mietec/Alcatel microelectronics
This is the clear signal showing the interest, we NEED, must have electronics, and especially electronics semiconductors factories in Belgium, and in Europe, this is not a dream, our économies proves that we cannot count on external sources, but, the reality shows that theses priorities are not understood by politicians and, who comes with them, the finances... Long time ago in Milmort, Liege, RCA uses to have a transistor factory, gone, when are we going to understand and act accordingly, just to confirm it? It seems we love to complain and cry , but, often, only when it is too late.
The Belgian semiconductor eco system would benefit greatly from a continuation of these activities!!
If industrial economy does want to invest in it then there must be an industrial economic reason for investing in it …https://etn.se/index.php/nyheter/71305-inte-for-publicering-svensk-finskt-konsortium-overvager-bud-pa-belgiskt-foundry.html
What a pity to have closed the Oudenaarde On Semi CMOS fab !!! The closing of the Oudenaarde On Semi Cmos fab, sent some european compagnies in critical « difficulties », when the products delivered by this fab were « Strategic » and cannot be transfered to the US fab of On Semi. Yes .. a pity that one automotive or military or other european companies did not take over this CMOS fab. Or a european Silicon leader. That is it …
Tuan P.
2mo
I am feeling so sad hearing that Oudenaarde Fab is going to be closed! I had so many friends there and have installed so many etch systems there, enjoying friendship with so many talented engineers there! Question from my side: why closing? Technology reasons or financial ones?
Energy Management
3moAll alarm signals should go on at our gouvernment institutions. A technological pearl with world class equipment and knowledgde is about to crash. We are wasting our future if this should happen. Please repost and let’s hope we can wakeup our gouvernment. Vincent Van Peteghem Jo Brouns Alexander De Croo