Siemens, the German technology giant, has announced a substantial $510 million investment in the United States. This significant financial commitment will focus on enhancing electrical equipment manufacturing across various sectors, including data centers, battery plants, semiconductor facilities, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
A significant portion of this investment, amounting to $150 million, will be directed towards Siemens' new Fort Worth facility, aimed at facilitating the rapid expansion of data centers in the United States. This expansion is driven by the increasing adoption of generative artificial intelligence, which necessitates robust electrical infrastructure.
The Fort Worth plant will specialize in the production of switchboards, essential components for industrial plants, data centers, and more. It is projected to commence operations in 2024, with full-scale production anticipated by 2025. This investment aligns with the growing demand for electrical infrastructure, as data centers are expected to grow by approximately 10% annually through 2030.
The surge in demand for power infrastructure, such as switchboards, is accentuated by the exponential growth of data centers in the United States. These facilities are projected to require a total power capacity of around 30,694 MW once all planned data centers are operational. This surge underscores the need for robust electrical infrastructure, which Siemens aims to meet with this significant investment.
In addition to the Fort Worth facility, Siemens is also investing in two electrical-products manufacturing plants in Grand Prairie, Texas, and Pomona, California, collectively creating 1,700 new jobs. While these facilities focus on switchboards and circuit breakers, it's worth noting that there's currently a shortage of power transformers in the United States, with long lead times and supply-demand imbalances. Siemens Energy, a leading transformer manufacturer, may consider ramping up its capacity in the US in the future to address this need.
This investment is part of Siemens' global strategy for 2023, emphasizing critical electrical infrastructure and green mobility to support the nation's growing industries while advancing decarbonization efforts.
Source: spglobal.com