TSMC expands 2nm production capacity with cost NT$1 trillion
Although TSMC will formally mass-produce the N3 process node in the second half of next year, the related supporting fabs for the N2 process node are already under planning. TSMC will build two fabs for the manufacture of 2nm chips. The first fab is located in the Hsinchu in Taiwan which has started the construction of R&D facilities last year., and the second fab is rumored to be the earliest planned scientific industry in Taichung, Taiwan.
According to Wccftech reports, TSMC may further expand its 2nm production capacity and choose to establish a third wafer fab in the science and industrial park in Taichung, Taiwan. However, the new plan has not been so smooth. On the one hand, it is environmental protection. The local authorities have expressed concern about the environmental impact of the new facility. On the other hand, it is the problem of energy supply. Recently, TSMC is actively turning to renewable energy sources, hoping to ensure power supply while reducing the impact on the environment. It has also signed a large order for the purchase of wind power.
The water consumption of the fab is also one of the issues that TSMC needs to consider. It is said that the 2nm fab in the Hsinchu will consume about 100,000 cubic meters of water every day, of which three-quarters comes from the city’s supply. If TSMC chooses to expand its 2nm production capacity, it also involves the expropriation of golf courses of other groups for the construction of wafer fabs. It is estimated that the entire project will require about NT$1 trillion, or about US$36.15 billion.
