News: Suppliers
17 December 2024
Spain gains European approval for €81m subsidy for Diamond Foundry Europe’s new fab
The European Commission has approved, under European Union (EU) State aid rules, a direct grant of €81m from Spain to support Diamond Foundry Europe (a subsidiary of Diamond Foundry Inc of San Francisco, CA, USA) in setting-up a new factory — involving a total investment of about €675m — for the production of semiconductor-grade rough synthetic diamonds in Trujillo in Extremadura, an area eligible for regional aid under Article 107(3)(a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU).
Synthetic diamonds can be used in the semiconductor industry as an alternative to other materials currently used, such as silicon. The project aims to serve the demand of key sectors such as 5G networks or electric vehicles. Using Diamond Foundry’s plasma reactor technology, the plant will produce rough synthetic diamond wafers, with a capacity of 4–5 million carats per year.
The subsidy will contribute to the EU’s strategic objectives relating to job creation, regional development, and to the green transition of the regional economy. The project should create about 300 direct jobs, as well as further indirect jobs. The new factory is designed to be carbon-neutral, powered through entirely renewable energy generated by a solar photovoltaic plant.
“Today’s decision enables Spain to support Diamond Foundry Europe in setting-up its first factory in Europe to produce semiconductor-grade rough synthetic diamonds,” comments Teresa Ribera, executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition. “This will foster the transition to a decarbonized economy and competitiveness,” she adds. “The measure will also contribute to the economic development of the region, while limiting possible distortions of competition.”
Diamond Foundry creates first diamond-based electric car inverter
Diamond Foundry creates first 100mm single-crystal diamond wafer
