The construction of Intel's Fab 29 module 1 and module 2 near Magdeburg, Germany, has been delayed due to pending EU subsidy approval and the need to remove black soil for reuse at a different site, pushing the construction start to May 2025, as per Volksstimme. This new timeline could affect Intel's plan to have the fab operational by late 2027 or early 2028.
Initially scheduled for the first half of 2023, the construction was delayed to summer 2024 due to subsidy issues, prompting intervention by Germany's Finance Minister Michael Richter. However, the EU's €9.9 billion subsidy for the €30 billion project is still pending approval, leading to further postponement of topsoil removal to May 2025. The state and Intel are adjusting plans, focusing on infrastructure development and land acquisition.
Planned to go operational in late 2027, Intel's Fab 29.1 and Fab 29.2 are intended for specific fabrication processes, such as Intel's 14A (1.4nm) and 10A (1nm) process nodes, for the production of particular products from Intel's roadmap. Nevertheless, the report suggests that production might commence in 2029 – 2030, due to a potential four to five-year construction timeline.
The future construction site contains high-quality black soil, which must be carefully removed and reused. The state will remove the top 40 centimeters of soil, while Intel is responsible for additional soil removal. These measures are necessary to comply with environmental and building regulations.
Infrastructure development includes the construction of access roads, with the city of Magdeburg and the state involved in these efforts, enabling the transport of soil and construction materials. Land acquisition is ongoing, with the majority of landowners agreeing to sell, and the state offering a price well above typical agricultural rates.
A public hearing is scheduled for May 29 to address 13 objections raised by various stakeholders, and the state is optimistic that the project will proceed smoothly once EU approval is secured.
