Environmental Implications of Semiconductor Industrial Expansion: An Empirical Investigation

The semiconductor industry plays a crucial part in technological innovation, although there are also severe environmental issues concerning the substantial use of resources and the emission of emissions. In this respect, the paper outlines the empirical assessment regarding the environmental effects concerning the use of energy, water, and GHGs in the production of semiconductors. Fab-operations at less than 28 nm technology nodes require some magnitude of over 500 GWh power and around 1,500,000 m3ultra-pure water consumption annually per fab. GHG emissions vary from 2.8 to 4.5 kg CO2-eq per wafer, with process gases during etching and deposition being the main contributors. A significant positive relationship (r>0.82) was found between production quantity and emission intensity. The study's results provide a strong incentive for semiconductor manufacturers to continue and enhance their sustainable production processes and governance.