Chemical Park Focuses on Batteries and Semiconductor Precursors

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. 

Only About 90 Hectares Left

Of a total of about 1,200 hectares, approximately 90 hectares are still available for development in the chemical park. There are only a handful of larger contiguous plots of around ten hectares left.

Accordingly, the chemical park intends to be very selective in choosing new investors. “We can’t afford any more mistakes,” said Managing Director Kai Uwe Krauel. The key, he said, is to attract companies that are a good fit for the location and complement existing value chains. 

“Experience provides direction; youth provides momentum”

Fuhr now leads the chemical park alongside Krauel and Patrice Heine and is tasked primarily with intensifying the international search for investors. He has been with the company since 2015. Krauel summarized the new structure as follows: “Experience provides direction; youth provides momentum.”

A recently announced research platform on the circular economy also aligns with this strategic direction. The state of Saxony-Anhalt is supporting its development with 4.5 million euros. Over the next four years, research there will focus, among other things, on recovering critical raw materials from industrial waste.