Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, a quarter of the country’s GDP, is struggling with sustainability issues due to high energy consumption and water usage. The industry’s growth, driven by the AI boom, is putting pressure on the local energy market, which is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. The Taiwanese government is facing challenges in balancing the industry’s needs with environmental concerns and local opposition to solar farms and wind energy projects.
Forecast for 6 months: Taiwan’s government will announce new policies to promote renewable energy and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint, but the implementation will be slow due to bureaucratic hurdles and local resistance.
Forecast for 1 year: TSMC and other major chip manufacturers will invest in on-site renewable energy installations, reducing their reliance on the grid and lowering their carbon emissions. However, the pace of progress will be limited by the high upfront costs and technical challenges.
Forecast for 5 years: Taiwan will make significant strides in developing its renewable energy sector, with offshore wind and solar farms becoming more widespread. The government will also introduce stricter regulations to limit the industry’s environmental impact, leading to a gradual shift towards more sustainable practices.
Forecast for 10 years: Taiwan’s semiconductor industry will become a global leader in sustainable manufacturing, with a significant portion of its energy coming from renewable sources. The country will also become a hub for green technology innovation, attracting investments and talent from around the world.
