Alpha HPA is actively engaged in advanced product qualification to support the burgeoning growth in the global semiconductor industry, providing critical high-purity materials that are essential for the demands of the next generation of high-performance semiconductors.
With a novel purification process able to meet stringent semiconductor industry requirements, Alpha HPA is uniquely positioned to supply providing high-purity alumina (HPA)-based materials with a discrete chemical impurity profile that for thermal fillers in semiconductor encapsulation and chemical mechanical planarisation (CMP) slurries for wafer polishing.
The semiconductor sector is experiencing extraordinary growth, driven by AI data centres and the increasing demand for power semiconductors supporting the global energy transition.
Electricity demand for AI data centres is expected to surge by 40 percent globally by 2030*, driven by power-intensive AI models, particularly generative AI. The need for improved cooling systems and faster processing speeds has intensified the demand for high-purity thermal fillers.
“Purity standards for next-generation semiconductor thermal fillers are exceptionally stringent, requiring zero detectable radionuclides or less than one part per billion,” said Alpha HPA Managing Director Rimas Kairaitis.
“Our novel purification process eliminates these impurities, setting our materials apart from incumbent manufacturers.”
Alpha HPA has already commenced small-scale sales to leading thermal filler end-users in South Korea and Japan, with further agreements expected, including an additional Letter of Intent with a leading Japanese manufacturer.
In addition to thermal fillers, Alpha HPA is positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for high purity aluminas in CMP polishing.
CMP processes, which utilise chemically and physically abrasive slurries, are essential for polishing semiconductor substrates and circuit layers. With the increasing use of harder substrates such as silicon carbide, gallium nitride, and sapphire, high-purity alumina is emerging as the preferred CMP abrasive.
“Our materials have been independently tested to demonstrate higher CMP removal rates than existing solutions, operating at lower temperatures to reduce substrate warping,” Mr Kairaitis said.
“This performance, in combination with our preferred chemically impurity profile, gives us a clear advantage in meeting the evolving needs of semiconductor manufacturers.”
Alpha HPA has already commenced small-scale sales to leading CMP end-users in the US and is in advanced negotiations with companies in Japan and China.
The company recently reached Contractual Close with Export Finance Australia (EFA) and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF), securing $400 million in senior debt financing for Stage 2 of its HPA First Project in Gladstone, Queensland. This funding, approved under the Australian Government’s Future Made in Australia initiative, includes $320 million in project loan facilities and an $80 million cost overrun facility.
Currently under construction, the project will be one of the largest single-site HPA refineries globally, capable of producing over 10,000 tonnes of ultra-high-purity aluminium products and premium aluminium materials per year. The development is expected to create 300 construction jobs and 120 ongoing operational roles, delivering significant economic benefits to the Gladstone region.
“Our proprietary process technology offers a near-zero waste solution, recycling nearly 100 percent of its reagents while achieving a 70 percent lower carbon footprint compared to traditional refining methods,” Mr Kairaitis said.
“With 100 percent renewable energy use, this facility will set new standards in sustainable manufacturing, supporting industries such as semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, and LED lighting.”
Alpha HPA’s continued progress reinforces its position as a key supplier to the semiconductor sector, leveraging cutting-edge purification technology to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.
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media contact: Ellie blumel – +61 (0) 448 122 948 or eblumel@alphahpa.com.au
*Source: Deloitte – “As generative AI asks for more power, data centers seek more reliable, cleaner energy solutions”
