Imec aims at zero-impact chip production

imec announced that its Sustainable Semiconductor Technologies and Systems (SSTS) research programme has succeeded in bringing together stakeholders from the semiconductor value chain

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At the Future Summits 2022 held on 17 and 18 May in Antwerp, Belgium, the research centre imec announced that its Sustainable Semiconductor Technologies and Systems (SSTS) research programme has succeeded in bringing together stakeholders in the semiconductor value chain, from large companies such as Apple and Microsoft to suppliers including ASM, Kurita, Screen and Tokyo Electron. The programme was established last year to support the semiconductor industry by reducing its carbon footprint.

The semiconductor industry is booming, but the production of these components comes at a price: it requires large amounts of energy and water and creates hazardous waste. Although system and fabless companies are already investing in decarbonising their supply chain and products, committing to be carbon neutral by 2030 or 2040, they generally lack accurate information on the contribution of new technologies in chip production because limited life cycle analysis data is available.

With its SSTS programme, imec combines information on processing technology, infrastructure and machinery to provide partners across the semiconductor value chain with information on the environmental impact of certain choices made in the definition and production of chip technology.

"Today there is a data gap on the environmental footprint of semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing for the most advanced technologies. That is why we are assessing the environmental impact at an early stage, so that we can make informed choices when we move on to the next generation of technology. Suppliers of equipment, materials and tools are key in early stage plans; they can, for example, create more environmentally friendly processes and tools to solve high-impact problems in these future technologies. We are also talking to foundries to help verify and compare results. By interacting with the entire semiconductor value chain in this way, our SSTS programme can maximise its impact,' says Lars-Åke Ragnarsson, SSTS Programme Director.


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