RIR Power Electronics, an Indian company, is set to establish a Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor manufacturing facility in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, after securing financial assistance from the Odisha state government. This strategic move marks a significant step in India's journey towards becoming a hub for advanced power electronics.
RIR Power Electronics, which has a history of supplying power-related semiconductors in India following a technology alliance with the former International Rectifier, has dramatically ramped up its SiC business. This acceleration began with the acquisition of all shares of Visicon Power Electronics—a company specializing in SiC wafer technology—in 2021.
The company plans a total investment of 10.4 billion yen (approximately $70 million USD), executed in two phases. The facility will produce a range of high-voltage SiC components, including MOSFETs, IGBTs, and diodes, with voltage ratings from 3.3kV to 20kV. These crucial components are vital for key industries such as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, power grid infrastructure, and industrial automation.
This investment is not just a corporate decision; it is a regional economic initiative. The state of Odisha aims to leverage this project to establish itself as a major manufacturing center for high-voltage power semiconductors, boosting local technological capabilities and positioning India firmly on the global SiC supply chain map.
