TSMC Considers Expanding Advanced 1nm Factory in Southern Kaohsiung: "Revising Existing Expansion Plans"

Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturer), is reportedly considering revising its existing plan to expand its 1.4-nanometer (nm, one billionth of a meter) semiconductor factory and is now looking at expanding in the southern Kaohsiung area. Previously, TSMC had announced plans to expand in the northern Longtan Science Park, but the plan was scrapped due to opposition from local residents, drawing attention to whether the Kaohsiung expansion will succeed.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 24th, Taiwan's United Daily News cited industry sources saying that TSMC might install the 1.4-nanometer semiconductor process facility, which was abandoned in the northern Taoyuan Longtan Science Park, at its Kaohsiung factory. According to the source, the original Longtan expansion plan was reportedly stalled due to local residents' opposition to land acquisition.

In contrast, Kaohsiung City, which is being considered as an alternative location by TSMC, is known to be actively seeking to attract the factory through local government efforts. According to the Taipei Times, Kaohsiung City recently requested the local water resource management authorities to investigate whether there is sufficient industrial water supply capacity, keeping in mind the possibility of attracting the TSMC factory.

Regarding Kaohsiung City's request, Taiwan's Water Resources Protection Agency reportedly responded that two sewage treatment plants can supply a total of 105,000 tons (t) of recycled water, which the TSMC 1.4-nanometer factory could utilize.

For now, the Taiwanese semiconductor industry is relieved, viewing that concerns about the de-Taiwanization of the cutting-edge 1.4-nanometer factory have disappeared. TSMC is currently accelerating the development of 2-nanometer technology, aiming for mass production in 2025, and is expected to begin small-scale pilot production of 2-nanometer products within this year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.