Small Molecules Amplify Investment
Pfizer has announced that it invested $743 million to expand its four-year-old Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) plant at Singapore’s Tuas Biomedical Park. At 429,000 sq. ft., the upgraded facility will begin production of small molecule APIs used in the pharmaceutical manufacturer’s oncology, pain and antibiotic medicines. “With the facility expansion, Pfizer continues to grow its resilient and innovative global supply network. This expanded facility not only grows our overall manufacturing footprint but also strengthens our ability to manufacture breakthrough medicines that change patients’ lives,” said Pfizer Chief Global Supply Officer and Executive Vice President Mike McDermott. Added capacity will allow Pfizer to introduce more processing suites, dry-end suites and more as needed. The project creates 250 new jobs for the region.
Pfizer Chief Global Supply Office Mike McDermott [center right] and Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong [center left] open the new API facility in July 2024.
Photo courtesy of Pfizer
Infineon to Invest Up to $7.6B, Hire 4,000 in Malaysia
Germany’s Infineon Technologies AG in August opened the €2 billion, 900-job first phase of a new fab in Kulim, Malaysia, that at full buildout after a €5 billion second phase will become the world’s largest 200-mm. silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor fab, employing as many as 4,000 people. “SiC semiconductors increase efficiency in electric vehicles, fast charging stations and trains as well as renewable energy systems and AI data centers,” the company said, noting it has received €5 billion in orders and €1 billion in pre-payments connected to the expansion. “This major investment, which will locate the world’s largest and most competitive SiC power fab on our shores, will create jobs and opportunities, as well as attract suppliers, universities and top talent,” said Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “Moreover, it will support Malaysia’s efforts to protect our climate by boosting electrification and increasing the efficiency of many applications, including electric cars and renewable energy.”
The new Infineon site in Kulim could attract as much as $7.6 billion of investment by the time it’s fully built out.
Photo courtesy of Infineon AG
Germany Wants Hydrogen
With over $180 million in grant funding from Germany’s federal government and the northern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, hydrogen plant developer H2APEX will move forward with the construction of a $226 million green hydrogen facility. The company expects its 100-megawatt electrolysis plant to become operational in 2027 and supply hydrogen to several regions of the country. Over 7,500 tons of green hydrogen will be produced here per year and transported to various regions around Germany, connecting to platforms like the Flow pipeline and Green Octopus that serve large urban areas.
The new facility in Rostock-Laage will boost hydrogen production in northern Germany.
Photo: Getty Images
STULZ’s Strategic Location
In August 2024, air technology systems company STULZ rang in the opening of its Center of Excellence at the Dubai Digital Park located within the Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone. For STULZ, the decision to invest in Dubai was made to support the data center industry across Europe, Middle East and Africa, while collaborating with consultants and planners throughout the region. Its Center of Excellence will offer advice and support for data center, commercial and industrial clients. “For large commercial and industrial brownfield and greenfield projects STULZ will be a key enabler for introduction of technologically advanced solutions that not only reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints but also offer a rapid return on investment,” says STULZ India Managing Director Suresh Balakrishnan.
The Dubai Digital Park is an initative by the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority to create its first smart city.
Rendering courtesy of the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus
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Europe’s Largest Data Center Campus
By securing an award for additional power from Portugal-based energy company Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN), Start Campus’ SINES DC campus has now become Europe’s largest colocation site. The move allows for the site’s IT capacity to grow from 495 megawatts (MW) to 1.2 gigawatts once complete. The campus is currently under development until 2030 around two hours from Lisbon in Sines, Portugal. The campus will feature six buildings, introducing the initial 14 MW of capacity in its first building by the end of 2024. “Securing this additional grid capacity marks a significant milestone for Start Campus,” said Start Campus CEO Rob Dunn. “The scale of SINES DC, coupled with our unique seawater cooling solution, creates an unprecedented offering that sets new standards for the industry.”
New power allocation has allowed Start Campus to scale its planned IT capacity in Sines, Portugal.
Rendering courtesy of Start Campus
