TSMC drops northern Taiwan site for advanced chip factory after protests

Hello everyone, I have recently sparked an interest in the tech world and I’d like to share some recent news in the world of semiconductors and chips I came across while doing some research.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) has decided not to construct an advanced chip manufacturing facility in a rural area of northern Taiwan due to opposition from local residents who did not wish to relocate for an industrial park expansion. Instead, the company will collaborate with the government-run Science Park Administration to assess suitable land locations within Taiwan for semiconductor factory development, without specifying potential alternative sites.

TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, had initially planned to establish a 1-nanometre chip factory in Longtan, as reported by Central News Agency in December, citing a statement from a Science Park Administration official. Presently, TSMC’s most advanced technology in mass production is its 3-nanometre technology.

In response, Taiwan’s Economy Minister, Wang Mei-hua, pledged government assistance to TSMC in meeting its land, water, and power requirements, recognizing the semiconductor industry’s crucial role on the island.

Furthermore, Chen Chi-mai, the mayor of Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan, where TSMC is already in the process of constructing a 2-nanometre chip factory, assured that his city has ample resources, including water, power, and land, to accommodate additional semiconductor facilities, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for seizing opportunities.

1 Like

Just came across the same news recently. Wouldn’t be surprised if Kaohsiung will have another factory as it is quite big. I suppose it could also benefit academia there as there are two quite well know universities around the area (National Sun Yat Sen University and National Cheng Kung University).

2 Likes