Infineon preps power semi JV with Siemens

An Infineon AG spokesperson disclosed that the company is planning on a joint venture with Siemens Power Transmission and Distribution to provide high-power thyristors for high-voltage DC (HVDC) power transmission lines.

The JV will include Infineon's existing power semiconductor manufacturing lines in Warstein, Germany, with 260 jobs and Cegled, Hungary, with 140 jobs. The JV builds on an existing cooperation between both companies focusing on high-voltage thyristors. The Infineon spokesperson stated that the respective contracts will be signed in mid-September.

A Siemens spokesperson also acknowledged the plans. "The purpose of the joint venture is to further develop HVDC thyristors," he said.

Presently, HVDC lines are used to transport energy across large distances at very low losses. Typically, the voltage is 500kV. The semiconductor elements controlling and switching these voltages and currents are in most cases high-power thyristors with light ignition. Earlier this year, Siemens has received a major order for a HVDC project in China in which for the first time voltages of 80 kV will be used. The Siemens spokesperson hinted that this project was one of the triggers for the decision to launch a JV.

Neither company provided financial details of the planned joint venture.