Intel’s new fab in Leixlip uses EUV technology for the first time in Europe
Intel, the world’s largest semiconductor company, has announced that its new fab in Leixlip, Ireland, has begun high-volume production of computer chips using Intel 4 technology. This is a significant milestone for Intel, as it marks the first use of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) technology in high-volume manufacturing (HVM) in Europe.
EUV technology is a key enabler for leading-edge semiconductor technology nodes that power the most demanding computing applications, such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced mobile networks, autonomous driving, and new data center and cloud applications. EUV plays a critical role in driving Intel toward its goals of delivering five nodes in four years and regaining leadership in process technology by 2025.
Intel’s Fab 34 production milestone is another proof point that Intel is executing on its plan to deliver five process nodes in four years and to usher in a new generation of leadership products. The fab will produce chips for Intel’s upcoming Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (code-named Meteor Lake), which will pave the way for AI PCs, as well as future-generation Intel® Xeon® processors coming in 2024 and produced on the Intel 3 process node.
Intel’s investments in Ireland create a leading-edge semiconductor value chain in Europe
Intel’s new fab in Ireland is part of its global network of manufacturing facilities that span the United States, Europe and Asia. Intel has invested more than $15 billion in Ireland since 1989, making it one of the largest industrial investors in the country. The company employs more than 5,000 people in Ireland and supports an estimated 18,000 additional jobs across the country.
Intel’s investments in Ireland, along with existing and planned investments in Germany and Poland, create a first-of-its-kind end-to-end leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing value chain in Europe. They serve as a catalyst for additional ecosystem investments and innovations across the European Union.
Intel is also committed to supporting the European Commission’s goal of doubling Europe’s share of global semiconductor production by 2030. The company recently announced that it is exploring options to build a mega-fab in Europe with an investment of up to $80 billion over the next decade.
Intel unveils its Ireland Climate Action Plan to reduce its environmental impact
As part of its celebration of the arrival of Intel 4 technology in Ireland, Intel also unveiled its Ireland Climate Action Plan, which outlines steps for sustainability, aiming for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water use and waste to landfill.
The plan includes initiatives such as:
- Installing more than 3,000 solar panels at its Leixlip campus, which will generate enough electricity to power 700 homes annually.
- Implementing a circular water management system that will reduce water consumption by 37% and reuse more than 80% of the water used in the fab.
- Achieving zero waste to landfill by 2025 and increasing recycling rates to more than 90%.
- Supporting local biodiversity projects and planting more than 15,000 native trees and shrubs on its campus.
Intel’s Ireland Climate Action Plan is aligned with its global environmental goals, which include becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and achieving net positive water use by 2030.
