STMicroelectronics' (ST) center of excellence for power semiconductors is located in Catania, Sicily. It combines research, development, and production of silicon carbide (SiC) substrates in cooperation with research institutes, universities, and suppliers. Valtria is currently supporting ST within a fast-track realization of a new integrated clean room manufacturing facility for production of SiC-based raw and epitaxial wafers aiming to improving ST's economics by sourcing internally and becoming more independent. In this context, it is important to bear in mind that the production of SiC chips is crucial for electric vehicle applications, while the supply of Si/SiC wafers for the semiconductor’s technology is a major concern for the European Union, particularly in view of the real risk of wafer supply bottlenecks.