TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwan's Environmental Administration yesterday approved the environmental assessment for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Limited's (TSMC) 3-nanometer factory, signifying that TSMC's 3-nm factory will be able to commence operations on schedule in 2020 with total investment amounting to NT $600 billion.

The point of this environmental evaluation was concerns about water and electricity usage and whether or not they would bring about any impacts on the water usage of local residents. However, after Taipower and the Water Resources Agency guaranteed a completely flawless supply, the evaluation was amended and passed.

Regarding this decision, TSMC stated that they have selected Southern Taiwan Science Park as the location to establish a 3-nm process factory to manufacture their 12-inch chips.

Meanwhile, TSMC also pledged that after commencing mass production they will expand the use of renewable energy each year, and in order to reduce power consumption burdens in the local area, they expect to use renewable energy for 20% of overall consumption.

SOURCE: CTIMES