Urban development in Dresden: Significant investments made in water, power, and digital infrastructure.
Dresden's Infrastructure Expansion: A Future-Proof Strategy for the Semiconductor Industry
Dresden, a city renowned for its thriving semiconductor industry, is embarking on an extensive infrastructure expansion project. The city administration has identified the expansion of fiber optic cables and the water network as top priorities.
The water network expansion is the most significant and challenging project in the pipeline. Over the past 15 years, Dresden's water consumption has increased by around 25,000 cubic meters, a trend expected to continue. To meet this growing demand, a central industrial collector is being constructed by the Dresden municipal wastewater treatment plant to transport industrial water from Dresden's north to the Kaditz wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, a new river water treatment plant in Ubigau will treat water from the Elbe for industrial use, with an additional 60,000 cubic meters needed in five years.
The success of Dresden's semiconductor industry, often referred to as Silicon Saxony, has led to an increase in demand for electricity. The demand for electricity is expected to almost fivefold by 2045 due to the shift away from fossil fuels and increased need for mobility and heat generation. To address this, a brand-new substation will be built in Altwilschdorf by 2030, and other substations will be expanded or rebuilt to meet the increasing electricity demand.
The expansion of fiber optic cables is another crucial aspect of Dresden's infrastructure development. New connections for high-speed internet are being installed in Hellerau, Klotzsche, Weixdorf, and Wilschdorf. This development is particularly beneficial for global tech companies like Global Foundries, Bosch, Infineon, and ESMC, which are settling in Dresden's north, expanding facilities relevant to European chip production.
The collaborative partnership between political, economic, and scientific actors is essential for Dresden's success in the semiconductor industry. This partnership is working towards a shared vision of a future-proof infrastructure for the chip industry. The upcoming chip factories of Infineon and ESMC can plan with increased supply reliability due to the new fiber optic connections.
Recently, a citizen dialogue was held, providing an opportunity for the public to discuss the infrastructure expansion plans. Around 140 visitors attended the event, demonstrating a strong public interest in the city's development. However, with many construction sites expected in these areas due to the installation of new fiber optic connections, the city administration is committed to minimising disruptions and ensuring clear communication with the community.
The expansion of Dresden's infrastructure is a testament to the city's commitment to maintaining its status as the European hub of the semiconductor industry. With these developments, Dresden is well-positioned to continue its growth and innovation in the field of microelectronics.
