The deployment of new generation Wide Band-Gap (WBG) semiconductors that reduce electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions will increase globally with electrification of mobility, renewable energy and industry. The WIBASE project coordinated by VTT has been launched in Finland to develop WBG technologies for power electronics applications. Participants in the project include leading semiconductor and power electronics companies and research organisations.
WBG semiconductors enable more energy-efficient electric cars, fast charging stations, smart electrical grids, smaller and more efficient everyday devices and more reliable electricity grid solutions. For consumers, this can mean a longer driving range for electric cars, faster charging and more energy efficient household appliances.
The WIBASE project is developing WBG material and component processing, prototyping, testing capabilities and life-time modelling. The aim is to accelerate the adoption of WBG technology, improve expertise and the availability of workforce, and facilitate the commercialisation of technology.
The project consortium covers the full value chain of WBG power electronics from semiconductor materials and components to end applications. In addition to VTT, Aalto University, LUT University, University of Helsinki, ABB, Applied Materials, Comptek Solutions, Danfoss, Kempower and Okmetic are involved in the project.
“The WIBASE project is building an expertise cluster in Finland to cover the entire value chain from semiconductor materials to end applications. This will improve our self-sufficiency and competitiveness in the global semiconductor and power electronics market. WBG expertise will enable surprising breakthroughs and new business opportunities,” states Sami Suihkonen, Senior Scientist at VTT and WIBASE project manager.
Power electronics systems play a key role in the electrification of society in areas like industry, transport and energy storage. WBG semiconductors can significantly reduce the electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions of systems, which supports the EU’s Green Deal targets.
The competencies and testing capabilities developed in the WIBASE project will allow Finnish companies to quickly access rapidly growing international markets. This will simultaneously provide the foundation for new innovations, startups and new workplaces. The project is developing and combining several cutting-edge technologies, such as WBG semiconductor materials, new component structures, packaging and integration technologies, reliability testing and international research collaboration. These solutions are designed to address industry challenges, such as material and component reliability issues, a lack of testing and validation capabilities, and the availability of skilled workforce.
The first commercial applications for WBG technologies have already been introduced, and wider deployment is expected to begin in 2028–2030. Applications for new Ultra Wide Band-Gap (UWBG) materials are expected to arrive on the market within 5-10 years.
The three-year WIBASE project is funded by Business Finland. The total project budget is EUR 11 million.