Intel has not yet announced its choice in due form, but there seems to be little doubt about it.
While the European Union is dreaming of reducing its dependence on semiconductor imports from the United States and, even more so, from the Far East of Asia, various industrial relocation projects have been mentioned, notably by the Commission. No doubt taking advantage of this opportunity, the American foundry Intel has announced its intention to prepare a vast investment plan on the Old Continent, without however going into detail. Last September, Intel's president himself confirmed a budget of more than 80 billion euros spread over the next ten years. Pat Gelsinger stated that this " project would be a catalyst for the semiconductor sector, [...] a catalyst for the entire technology sector ".
Several European countries were then mentioned as locations for the various components of this project. As always, a certain amount of competition emerged between the nations involved. Countries such as France, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands were mentioned, as well as Poland and Germany. Among the various structures that Intel must put in place, there is mention of a major research and development center, a large semiconductor manufacturing plant and various related assembly and packaging activities. Of course, it is the semiconductor plant that remains the heart of this project.
The Fab 24: Intel's complex in Lexilip, Ireland © Intel
While the official announcement has not yet been made public, journalists from Le Figaro believe that all bets are off between the different countries "in competition". According to the daily, Germany has finally been chosen by Intel as the location for the factory. According to Le Figaro, it was chosen because " the German ecosystem is the most likely to meet Intel's expectations. At the moment, the question is only about the precise site: Intel is still hesitating between Dresden, the most likely, and Munich.
Le Figaro underlines that France would still be entitled to a "consolation prize": the country would have been selected to host the research and development center. For its part, Italy would have won the assembly site. That said, in an update of the initial information, Les Numériques said that Intel refused to confirm that " discussions between Intel executives and the heads of government of several EU countries are still under way. Intel is keen to explore the many opportunities to support the EU's digital agenda and 2030 semiconductor ambitions. While current negotiations are ongoing and confidential, Intel plans to make an announcement as soon as possible." Could a turnaround still be in the cards?
