Semiconductor And Beyond Newsletter - #219

Author

Chetan Arvind Patil
August 11, 2024

The Dual Imperative Of Innovation And Sustainability In Semiconductor Manufacturing

Semiconductors are the backbone of countless technologies, from smartphones and computers to medical devices and renewable energy systems. As the demand for more powerful and efficient devices grows, the semiconductor industry faces the dual imperative of driving innovation while committing to sustainability. Thus, the energy-intensive nature of semiconductor manufacturing presents a significant challenge but also underscores the industry’s crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) report, semiconductor fabrication plants can consume as much electricity as cities. For instance, a single large fab can use up to 100 megawatts of power per hour, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 80,000 U.S. homes.

Another Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) study revealed that the global semiconductor industry consumed about 100 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2020, accounting for nearly 0.3% of the world’s total electricity use. This level of consumption not only has significant cost implications but contributes to the industry’s carbon footprint.

This high energy usage underscores the urgent need for the industry to find a balance between advancing technology and minimizing environmental impact, a task of paramount importance.

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