Over 3,000 Jobs at Risk: Water Shortage Could Block New STMicroelectronics Plant in Catania

The future of the new SiC Campus of STMicroelectronics in the province of Catania has become the focus of political and institutional discussion. Several inquiries and urgent requests for intervention have brought attention back to a critical issue considered essential for the launch and expansion of the project: the availability of adequate water resources to support the expected production activities of the new industrial hub.

According to reports collected from political representatives and trade unions, the incomplete infrastructure necessary for water supply could compromise the growth program of the plant, slowing down the ramp-up of the first production phase and putting thousands of jobs linked to the investment at risk.

The issue was raised by the regional secretary of the Sicilian Democratic Party and deputy to the Chamber Anthony Barbagallo, who presented an urgent inquiry to the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. The politician argues that the lack of a water supply contract and the failure to develop the necessary works could have significant consequences for the realization of the industrial project.

The SiC Campus represents one of the most important industrial investments currently underway in Southern Italy. Introduced in 2024, the project aims to strengthen the production of devices based on silicon carbide (SiC), a technology increasingly strategic for applications in the automotive, industrial, and energy sectors. The first phase would require an estimated water availability of about 400 cubic meters per hour, which is expected to grow to 800 cubic meters in the subsequent expansion phases.

The matter also involves the Sicilian Region, which through a resolution approved in May 2025 formalized its participation in the project, committing 300 million euros from the funds of the Regional FESR Program 2021-2027. The initiative also benefits from additional public resources linked to the European Chips Act and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

According to points raised by regional deputy Valentina Adorno (M5S), the Region cannot limit itself to a watching role in the face of the issues that could hinder an industrial program supported by significant public funding. Adorno emphasized that water availability is a fundamental requirement not only for existing production activities but also for the new campus dedicated to power technologies and future production lines.

The concerns expressed by trade unions particularly involve the need to obtain certainty about the timing and methods of supply. Hence the call for greater coordination between the Sicilian Region, local administrations, Sidra, and all parties involved in the realization of the necessary infrastructure.

The numbers at stake are particularly relevant. The industrial plan has a total value exceeding 5 billion euros, supported by public contributions of over 2 billion. The employment generated directly and indirectly by the initiative could exceed 3,000 units, making the project one of the most significant interventions for the industrial and technological fabric of Sicily.

At present, there are no official communications from STMicroelectronics indicating a revision of the industrial plans. However, it is essential that there is a spotlight on such a large-scale and important project, so that we do not wake up too late, when the cattle have already escaped.