Chemicals for batteries, precursors for semiconductors, and the processing of critical raw materials: The Bitterfeld-Wolfen Chemical Park plans to increasingly reserve its remaining space for products that can make Europe’s chip, battery, and energy industries less dependent on supplies from Asia. “There are growth opportunities in Europe,” said Max Fuhr, who joined the previously two-person executive team at the beginning of August.
At his official introduction, the 44-year-old made it clear where he sees opportunities for the site: primarily in battery chemistry, precursor chemicals for the semiconductor industry, and materials for energy storage. Lithium and rare earths also play a role.
Bitterfeld-Wolfen does not intend to compete with large chip or battery factories, but rather to have specialty chemicals and materials for such industries produced there. Fuhr noted that for some of these processing steps, 95 to 100 percent of global capacity is currently located in Asia. He also sees opportunities in lithium deposits in the Ore Mountains and the Altmark region, as well as rare earths in the Delitzsch area.
