Intel has celebrated the arrival of its Intel 4 technology, which uses extreme ultraviolet (EUV) technology. Consequently, it is the first to use EUV in high-volume manufacturing (HVM) in Europe.

The arrival of this important moment ushers in the future for products like Intel’s upcoming Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (code-named Meteor Lake). Thus, will pave the way for AI PCs, as well as future-generation Intel® Xeon® processors coming in 2024.

EUV technology is becoming more popular in leading-edge semiconductor technology nodes. Particularly, those that power the most demanding computing applications, such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced mobile networks, and autonomous driving. Also included are new data center and cloud applications. Most importantly, EUV plays a critical role in driving Intel deliver five nodes in four years and regaining leadership in 2025.

“I am proud of the Intel team as well as our customers, suppliers, and partners who worked with us to bring this moment to life. And keep us on the path back to process leadership,” said Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO. In addition, Gelsinger said, “The Silicon Isle has always been core to our long-term strategy. (And) today’s opening of Fab 34 contributes to the EU’s goal of creating a more resilient and sustainable semiconductor supply chain.”

A More Sustainable, Resilient and Secure Global Supply Chain

The opening of Fab 34 in Leixlip, Ireland, will help create the first end-to-end leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing chain in Europe. Equally important, Intel also has a planned wafer fabrication facility in Magdeburg, Germany, and a planned assembly and test facility in Wrocław, Poland. As the home for industries at the vanguard of technology, Europe needs a resilient leading-edge semiconductor supply chain. Thus, these efforts increase Intel’s commitment to helping Europe realize its technological ambition. In turn, the company will be able to build a global semiconductor supply chain that is resilient and geographically balanced.

Keyvan Esfarjani, executive vice president and chief global operations officer at Intel, said, “As we continue to advance our 17-billion-euro investment, this marks a significant milestone and a win for our Ireland operations.” Particularly, Esfarjani said this brings Intel’s latest and greatest Intel 4 technology utilizing EUV to Fab 34, Ireland, and Europe.

Dr. Ann Kelleher, executive vice president and general manager of Technology Development at Intel, said, “The transfer of Intel 4 process technology into high-volume production in Ireland is a giant step toward enabling leading-edge manufacturing in Europe.”

The process development and early HVM on Intel 4 technology happened at Intel’s development fab in Oregon, United States.

Intel’s Ambitious Environmental Commitment: A Sustainable Path Forward

Intel aims to continue expanding its operations while minimizing its environmental footprint. Presently, the company released its Ireland Climate Action Plan, which details efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Leixlip’s Fab 34 is on track to achieve LEED® Gold certification. The new facility incorporates several design innovations for increased sustainability. For example, the buildings will be using a 9-to-1 ratio of heat generated by heat recovery to heat generated by traditional methods. Also, the majority of cement used during construction are low carbon due to recycled content.

Furthermore, the Leixlip campus continues to implement the electricity purchasing strategy for 100% renewable supply, and returns 88% of its water to the River Liffey. In 2022, it sent 0.6% of its total waste to landfill. These efforts support Intel’s corporate goals to achieve 100% renewable electricity use across its global operations. At the same time, aspire for net positive water and zero waste to landfills by 2030. Also, this will also provide net-zero GHG emissions across global operations by 2040 and net-zero upstream GHG emissions by 2050.

Continuing a Proud Tradition of Community Partnership

For more than 30 years, Intel has considered the North Kildare town of Leixlip its home in Ireland. The continued development of the Leixlip campus is only possible through the ongoing support. most importantly, the close collaboration of the local community.

In conjunction with the official opening of Fab 34, Intel announced today that it will donate 1 million euros to the Leixlip community.