The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has earmarked 50 acres in Sector 10 for Bharat Semi Systems Pvt Ltd, a startup aiming to establish a semiconductor manufacturing unit. This project is part of the broader Indo-US collaboration initiated through agreements signed between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. The facility will focus on producing critical semiconductor chips that enhance national security.
Indo-US Strategic Partnership
As per the Indo-US joint factsheet, Bharat Semi Systems, in collaboration with 3rdiTech of India, will engage in a strategic partnership with the US Space Force. This partnership will pave the way for a semiconductor fabrication plant under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), producing advanced semiconductor materials like infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide.
YEIDA’s Support and Timeline
YEIDA has allocated the land for a year, during which Bharat Semi Systems is expected to complete formalities such as:
- Signing the land lease agreement
- Obtaining environmental clearances
- Submitting detailed project reports
The company’s initial investment of Rs 2,350 crore will see Rs 800 crore dedicated to acquiring approvals over the next 12 months.
Bharat Semi Systems’ Plans
Bharat Semi Systems Pvt Ltd expressed interest in establishing a facility along the Yamuna Expressway on July 8, 2024. Managing Director Vinayak Dalmia mentioned the company’s operations in Delhi, specifically in electronic manufacturing and system design, and highlighted their plans to extend their semiconductor division to Uttar Pradesh. The company formally requested that 50 acres in Sector 10 be reserved until the final government approvals are secured.
Infrastructure Needs
In their letter, Bharat Semi Systems outlined the key infrastructure required for the semiconductor unit:
- Water Supply: Initially, the facility will need 1.5 lakh liters of water per hour, scaling up to 2.5 lakh liters in later phases.
- Power Supply: Power substations providing around 50MW will be needed to support the plant’s operations.
- Sustainability Concerns: The company inquired about YEIDA’s plans for water recycling and zero-liquid discharge systems, both critical for the project’s sustainability.
YEIDA’s Commitment
On September 30, YEIDA’s CEO, Arun Vir Singh, responded to the group’s land request, assuring full support in facilitating procedural requirements and assisting in setting up the semiconductor unit.
Other Semiconductor Projects
The Indian government has also approved another semiconductor project by Hiranandani Group’s Tarq Semiconductors Pvt Ltd. This facility, which will also be located along the Yamuna Expressway, is awaiting final approval from the Uttar Pradesh cabinet. Tarq Semiconductors applied under the ISM scheme in April 2023.
