By Owais AliOct 16 2023Reviewed by Megan Craig, M.Sc. This has sparked debate around the sustainability of the semiconductor industry as it works to enable cleaner technologies while reducing its footprint.The Role of Semiconductor Chips in Advancing a Green and Sustainable Future The "electrification of everything" concept has gained prominence, signifying the drive to power traditionally fossil-fuel-dependent devices with clean energy sources.
Furthermore, in the manufacturing sector, the silicon-dependent Industrial Internet of Things drives transformation across entire industries, delivering superior productivity, cost-efficiency, and reduced time-to-value. Smarter electric tools boost productivity, optimize energy consumption, and enhance worker safety through improved sensing and tracking capabilities.
Critics argue that the substantial resource requirements and emissions associated with chip fabrication are environmentally harmful and unsustainable, necessitating more than incremental improvements.In response, chip manufacturers have made efforts to enhance sustainability. TSMC pledged to reduce water usage per chip wafer by 30%, adopted cleaner production systems, transitioned to renewable energy, and worked to phase out potent greenhouse gases used in manufacturing.
Chip manufacturers must continue improving efficiency, reducing waste, and investing in green technologies for chip production. Policymakers can support R&D and initiatives to develop greener semiconductors. At the same time, designers can create application-specific chips optimized for efficiency. Kalle Ylä-Jarkko. . Sustainability In the Semiconductor Industry: The Power of AI and Machine Learning. . Available at: https://elisaindustriq.com/blog-semiconductor-sustainability-in-the-semiconductor-industry/