India's First Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Unit Gets Cabinet Nod

The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Wednesday approved a customized incentive package for RIR Power Electronics Limited (RIR) to establish India's first Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor manufacturing facility in Bhubaneswar with a total investment of Rs 618.60 crore.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

The project will be implemented in two phases. The ground-breaking ceremony for the manufacturing facility was held on 7 September 2024 at the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) Park in Infovalley, Bhubaneswar.

The facility will focus on SiC-based devices, catering to electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, railways, and defense and is expected to create 750 jobs.

It will be India's first compound semiconductor fab, significantly enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities with high-value processes like epitaxial layer deposition and packaging.

RIR is India's sole manufacturer of silicon-based power devices, serving clients like BHEL, ABB, and Indian Railways.

This project is poised to position Odisha as a leader in India's semiconductor ecosystem, driving industrial growth, local supply chain development, and skilling opportunities, the Chief Minister said while briefing media persons here.

The cabinet also cleared a proposal of fiscal assistance, subsidy, and interest subvention for entrepreneurs interested in setting up cold storages across 58 subdivisions of the state.

Over 64% of cold storages functioning in the state in the past years are currently in a dysfunctional state, resulting in surplus vegetables, fruits, and other perishable agrarian produce going to waste.