[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”54537″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]As an environmental and human rights organization committed to promoting environmental democracy and environmental justice in Taiwan and wherever Taiwanese businesses operate, the Environmental Rights Foundation (ERF) expresses its concerns regarding TSMC’s recent announcement of an additional $100 billion investment to expand fabs for advanced chip manufacturing, advanced packaging, and research and development centers in the U.S.
- National Security and Geopolitical Considerations
With increasing security challenges in the Taiwan Strait, discussions surrounding TSMC’s expansion of advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. naturally raise questions about Taiwan’s strategic positioning and the broader geopolitical landscape.
While some may be concerned that this shift could affect perceptions of Taiwan’s strategic importance among allies, it is equally important to ensure that such discussions are not misrepresented or politicized in ways that could cause unnecessary division within Taiwanese society.
At the same time, from an environmental perspective, we recognize that moderately diversifying semiconductor production across democratic allies could help alleviate the environmental burden on Taiwan, which is already facing significant resource constraints.
- The Environmental & Societal Burden of Advanced Chip Manufacturing
We must emphasize that advanced semiconductor manufacturing, such as the 2nm process, demands unprecedented levels of water, energy, and waste management capacity. Each single fab (4 factories) requires approximately:
- 100,000 tons of water per day,
- Up to 1GW of peak power demand, and
- After 90% reuse, 110 tons of general waste and 90 tons of toxic waste are generated per day.
Such massive industrial projects inevitably strain the environmental carrying capacity of the regions where they are located, which further puts strain on local communities, their livelihoods and right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
For example, TSMC’s planned 2nm fab in Taichung (Central Taiwan) is projected to consume:
- 24% of the total electricity used by all Taichung households, and
- 7% of the city’s current municipal water supply.
These levels of resource consumption place a significant strain on the environment in this metropolitan area, home to 2.8 million residents. ERF has assisted Taichung residents in filing a lawsuit to revoke the environmental impact assessment (EIA) approval for TSMC’s 2nm project, demanding a more thorough EIA.
Thus, if TSMC were to relocate some of its advanced chip manufacturing fabs to the U.S., it could ease Taiwan’s excessive environmental pressure. 4 fabs will be dedicated to 2nm production.It is clear that Taiwan cannot accommodate any more.
- A Cautionary Note to Our Ally
To our friends in the U.S., we strongly urge you to fully assess the environmental and societal implications before welcoming these large-scale industrial projects into your communities.
- Can your infrastructure handle the extreme energy and water demands of advanced semiconductor manufacturing?
- What environmental and human rights impacts might arise when your government prioritizes sustaining TSMC and other semiconductor operations?
- Does TSMC have plans developed in consultation with your community and relevant rightsholders to effectively prevent, mitigate, cease and remedy potential environmental and human rights risks?
These are critical questions that should not be overlooked.
- A Call for Global Democratic Solidarity
Ultimately, as Taiwanese citizens, we call on our global democratic allies to stand unwaveringly with Taiwan, regardless of TSMC’s location. Our alliance should be grounded not in short-term economic interests but in the shared values of democracy and freedom.
As an experienced environmental legal organization, ERF is prepared to share our knowledge on the impacts of the semiconductor industry and our experiences engaging with TSMC. We welcome dialogue and collaboration with global partners.
For further inquiries, please reach out to us:
📩 Contact Information
Po-Jen Hsu (he/his) 許博任
Deputy CEO
Environmental Rights Foundation (ERF)
📧 dbmark0212@erf.org.tw
Hsin Hsuan Sun (she/her) 孫興瑄
Director, Corporate Accountability & International Affairs
Environmental Rights Foundation | Taiwan Transnational Corporations Watch (TTNC Watch)
📧 hhsun@erf.org.tw[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]