By InBusiness Phoenix
TSMC Arizona has broken ground and begun construction on a planned 15-acre Industrial Reclamation Water Plant (IRWP). The IRWP is designed to achieve “Near Zero Liquid Discharge” which means the company will have the ability to reuse nearly every drop of water. At start-up, the IRWP will reach 85% recycling rate with a plan to reach 90% or better. The start of construction on the IRWP reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable operations and coincides with World Water Week.
This plant will convert industrial wastewater back to the “ultrapure” standard required in the chipmaking process. Ultrapure water is used to wash away microscopic particles that can create defects in semiconductor wafers, especially in advanced technologies such as the 4nm chips produced by TSMC Arizona. TSMC Arizona already reaches 65% recycling from its current in-house water resource center, which converts industrial wastewater for use in support systems such as air scrubbers and cooling towers.
The new IRWP will support TSMC Arizona’s first two fabs at the company’s north Phoenix site and will be operational in 2028. The IRWP capacity will be expanded to accommodate the needs of future fabs. The IRWP and overall conservation efforts will significantly reduce the water supply required from the City of Phoenix.
“One of the many reasons we chose Phoenix for our US operation was the state’s and city’s thoughtful and thorough planning, including a water supply plan for 100 years. We know that water is a constant concern in the region. We will be a responsible corporate neighbor in our use of natural resources, including water,” said Rose Castanares, President of TSMC Arizona. “The ‘near zero’ discharge design of our IRWP is a proof point of TSMC Arizona’s green manufacturing plans, and our commitment of conservation so that the water supply will be maintained for a growing Phoenix community.”
