TSMC considers US as potential location for 3nm plant

Posted on Monday, March 20 2017 @ 12:34 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
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Word is going around that TSMC is considering the US as a potential location for its future 3nm chip manufacturing plant. DigiTimes reports the foundry is giving priority to Taiwan but a very lengthy environmental permit process may prompt TSMC to look elsewhere.

Taiwan's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) has promised to allocate a lot of 50 hectare in Kaohsiung Science Park (KSP) but the environmental protection evaluation of this site may not complete by 2022, which is the year TSMC plans to kick of volume production of 3nm chips:
However, considering that an environmental protection evaluation of the planned site in the KSP may not complete by 2022, in which TSMC plans to kick off volume production of 3nm chips, TSMC thus has begun to ponder an alternative site, said the paper.

Air pollution in southern Taiwan and power supply are two other major issues crucial to TSMC's future decision, added the paper.
The total investment in the 3nm fab is expected to hit a figure over NT$500 billion (US$16.39 billion).


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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