A coalition of NGOs consisting of Stand.earth, 350 Asia, and Greenpeace International launched a new website called timetochipin.org to reduce the carbon footprint of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest chipmaker. Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon are key clients of TSMC, and all have pledged zero supply chain emissions. However, TSMC‘s trend regarding emissions is not very encouraging, and the current reports are worrisome. Due to the increasing demand for semiconductors, TSMC‘s electricity consumption is expected to grow by 267% by 2030. TSMC’s failure to invest in renewable energy is not only concerning regarding the environment but also a significant business risk.
TSMC is heavily reliant on polluting fossil fuels and stands in contrast to its futuristic and environmentally friendly image. The semiconductor manufacturing process is incredibly energy-intensive, and the sector’s emissions have grown significantly in recent years. Unfortunately, in 2021, only 9% of TSMC‘s energy usage was renewable, far lower than its rivals Samsung (20%) and Intel (82%). TSMC is building fabs globally to meet the increasing demand for semiconductors faster. It is on track to consume as much electricity as 5.8 million people by 2030, or roughly one-quarter of Taiwan’s population.
The NGOs coalition commented on TSMC‘s insufficient progress toward achieving its emissions target, lashing out at the company for its lack of ambition, even when compared to the competition. TSMC has pledged to achieve 100% renewable energy and net zero by 2050. Compared to the International Energy Agency’s recommendation to achieve net-zero electricity emissions by 2035, TSMC‘s commitment is unambitious.
Jude Lee, the Deputy Executive Director of Greenpeace East Asia, commented that “TSMC has the potential to purchase and install rooftop solar, and to leverage its influence to accelerate Taiwan’s energy transition.” The NGOs coalition called on TSMC to target 100% renewable energy worldwide by 2030 and to publish a clear roadmap for achieving this goal.
TSMC‘s future-oriented operations and business model stand on the brink of pivoting to being a leader in the fight against climate crisis. Failure to do so may cost TSMC significant business, given the increasing emphasis placed by large IT companies on environmental protection.
<< photo by USGS >>
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