Kaohsiung: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) cleared the first stage of an environmental impact assessment for its planned fourth and fifth wafer fabs in Kaohsiung, the city's Environmental Protection Bureau said. The bureau stated that TSMC's environmental impact plan regarding expanding its production site in Nanzih passed during a public review.

According to Focus Taiwan, TSMC began equipment installation at its first fab in Kaohsiung, a 2-nanometer plant known as P1, late last year. The P2 and P3 fabs are under construction. The new facilities, P4 and P5, will be built next to P3, with construction expected to be completed in 2027, contingent on governmental approval.

During the review, civic and environmental groups raised concerns about the planned TSMC fabs' impact on Kaohsiung's carbon reduction, green energy, and water usage targets. In response, TSMC committed to powering 60 percent of its Kaohsiung operations with renewable energy by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040.

The city government plans to construct a plant for recycling water for industrial use, which will aid TSMC facilities in achieving their goal of manufacturing chips with 100 percent recycled water. TSMC also agreed to the city government's proposal to build solar power facilities for local residents to help reduce their electricity bills.

The Environmental Protection Bureau noted that TSMC plans to implement air pollution monitoring. A final public review will be held soon to complete the environmental impact assessment for the P4 and P5 facilities, which still require development, construction, and other permits before the expansion can proceed.