[News] Sanan-STMicroelectronics SiC Device Fab Goes Online

On February 27, the SiC (silicon carbide) wafer manufacturing joint venture between Sanan Optoelectronics and STMicroelectronics in Chongqing, officially commenced production.

Subsequently, the official WeChat account of “STMicroelectronics China” confirmed the news, stating that this milestone marks a steady step toward STMicroelectronics and Sanan achieving local production of 8-inch silicon carbide wafers in China by the end of 2025. This will better meet the growing demand for silicon carbide in China’s new energy vehicle, industrial power supply, and energy markets.

In June 2023, Sanan Optoelectronics and STMicroelectronics jointly announced the establishment of an 8-inch silicon carbide wafer manufacturing joint venture in Chongqing, Sanan-STMicroelectronics. Upon full completion, the total investment is expected to reach approximately RMB 23 billion. The joint venture is scheduled to begin production in the fourth quarter of this year, making it the first large-scale mass production line in China for automotive-grade 8-inch silicon carbide power chips.

According to available information, the Sanan-STMicroelectronics project is located in the Xiyong Microelectronics Industrial Park in Chongqing High-Tech Zone. It is jointly constructed by Chongqing Sanan Semiconductor and STMicroelectronics, consisting of a chip plant and a substrate plant. The project integrates silicon carbide substrate production, epitaxy, chip research and development, manufacturing, and sales.

Industry experts believe that the successful production of the Sanan-STMicroelectronics project will provide more efficient and reliable semiconductor solutions for the new energy vehicle and industrial power sectors. At the same time, it will enhance China’s technological level and industrial competitiveness in the silicon carbide semiconductor field.

According to estimates by TrendForce, China’s SiC (silicon carbide) power device market is expected to reach approximately $1.8 billion in 2024, grow to $2.2 billion in 2025, and further expand to $6.1 billion by 2030.

(Photo credit: STMicroelectronics)