Demand for EVs is expected to grow, power semiconductor production capacity to double
🟦 Renesas Kofu Plant restarted operations for the first time in 10 years
Renesas Electronics Corporation has restarted operations at its Kofu Plant in Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture for the first time in 10 years to increase its power semiconductor production capacity in anticipation of growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Mass production of power semiconductors, mainly IGBTs, will begin in 2025, doubling the current production capacity. In May 2022, Renesas Electronics Corporation decided to operate the Kofu Plant as a 300mm line dedicated to power semiconductors, and made a capital investment of approximately 90 billion yen.
The Kofu Plant was originally a semiconductor factory of Hitachi, Ltd., but later became part of Renesas Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation, a 100% subsidiary of Renesas. It had production lines for 150mm and 200mm wafers, but it was shut down in October 2014.
🟦Spread of AI in EVs, data centers, etc.
Demand for power semiconductors that contribute to the spread of AI in EVs, data centers, and other applications, as well as energy conservation toward the realization of a decarbonized society, is expanding. At the Kofu Plant, we will mainly strengthen the production capacity of power semiconductors, but we have introduced production equipment that can also be used for the production of microcontrollers by switching to a 300mm production line, and we have a system in place that allows us to start production of microcontrollers within one month in the event of a disaster or other event at the Naka Plant. Through these initiatives, we aim not only to improve the efficiency and stability of our business, but also to maximize the return on investment by utilizing subsidies from the government. Renesas’ power semiconductor business aims to achieve sales of 300 billion yen by 2025.
🟦Summary
Reopening of the Kofu Plant, which had been closed, in order to increase the production capacity of power semiconductors with 300mm wafers
Initially, the Naka Plant, Kofu Plant, and Kawajiri Plant were planned to invest a total of about 47.7 billion yen. If the Kofu plant alone invests 90 billion yen, it is highly likely that additional subsidies from the government will be considered.
