The development of the e-mobility and semiconductor industry in Poland is gaining momentum, mainly due to the growing need to electrify transportation. It is a market’s response to both EU regulations and a growing awareness of the negative environmental impact of internal combustion cars.
In an era of accelerated transport electrification, electromobility is becoming a key factor shaping the mobility sector in Poland. It already houses the production of 30% of all vehicle batteries manufactured in Europe. Thanks to foreign investments in recent years (including LG Chem, Mercedes, SK Nexilis and Umicore), Poland operates a full value chain for the sector.
Poland as a key player in the semiconductor market
Inherent in the development of the e-mobility industry is the potential of the semiconductor sector. Thanks to new regulations, such as the European Chips Act, Poland has a chance to become a key player in the high-tech sector. Many experts indicate that Poland is ready to host high-tech factories, as evidenced, for example, by Intel’s planned semiconductor factory near Wroclaw.
Pomerania’s booming economy
Pomerania, a region in northern Poland, has been included in fDi’s TOP 5 Mid-Sized European Regions of the Future 2022/2023 – FDI Strategy. Its capital, Gdansk, with its agglomeration, has a population of 1.6 million and is the largest center of the southern Baltic Sea. With its strongly developed BSS environment and attractive coastal location, it attracts migrants from all over the world. The legacy of Solidarity and Lech Walesa makes Gdansk a city of freedom and cultural diversity.
Pomerania’s economy is diversified. Key sectors include electronics, mobility, maritime, logistics and shared services. The booming economy has attracted brands such as Amazon, Northvolt and Flex.
Gdansk is home to Intel’s largest R&D center in Europe – employing 3,500 engineers. The branch develops software for microprocessors and software dedicated to the semiconductor and e-mobility industries.
The basis of Pomerania’s economic success is the excellent level of higher education. Annually, 2.500 students graduate the walls of Pomeranian universities in fields coveted by the electronics industry, including nanotechnology, data engineering and photonics. Many students from all over the world study at faculties related to electronics, mathematics and physics, very often deciding to stay in Pomerania after their studies.
An important role for both business and residents themselves is Pomerania’s excellent transportation links. Gdansk has fast road links to eastern, western and southern Europe, and the airport offers numerous connections to Munich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London and Warsaw.
The Tricity area has two deep-water ports operating weekly with African and Asian transportation hubs.
Invest in Pomerania supports the development of semiconductors
Invest in Pomerania initiative is the first in Poland to join the international association SEMI. Invest in Pomerania is a non-profit local government initiative, coordinated by the Pomerania Development Agency, dedicated to serving investors in the region. Its accession to SEMI is an important signal of Poland’s readiness to cooperate in shaping new supply chains in semiconductor manufacturing.
Special Energy Zones
The Polish government has planned the creation of six Special Energy Zones, which will be located in the north of the country, where offshore wind farms and Poland’s first nuclear power plant are currently under construction. Investors who decide to locate their plants in these zones will benefit from reduced electricity costs.
The zones will be intended for large electricity consumers with annual consumption exceeding 100 GWh and those planning to build energy storage facilities.
Source: EETimes