EUV chip production will soon reach record levels of energy consumption

EUV chip production's power needs may exceed 54,000 GWh by 2030.

: EUV lithography, critical for advanced microchip production, is projected to face exponential energy demands, consuming over 54,000 GWh yearly by 2030. This surpasses the energy usage of countries like Greece, with ASML being the sole manufacturer of such tools. These tools, though only 11% of a fab's energy usage, pose rising environmental concerns. The industry is urged to adopt energy-efficient and renewable solutions.

Extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) is pivotal in microchip production, allowing for smaller and more powerful chips, but its energy consumption is rapidly growing. By 2030, it's estimated that chip fabs using EUV tools could consume more than 54,000 gigawatt-hours, comparable to the electricity needs of nations like Singapore. Currently, EUV tools account for about 11% of a fab's total energy use.

ASML, a Dutch company, remains the sole manufacturer of EUV tools, which are integrated into chip production facilities across various countries, including Taiwan, South Korea, and the US. The power requirements of these machines are also increasing, with future models anticipated to need up to 1,400 kilowatts. Despite their efficiency in chip production, they have substantial environmental footprints.

The rapid adoption of EUV machines by foundry businesses poses notable environmental challenges, as highlighted by a TechInsights report. The industry faces a crucial decision between continued innovation and overwhelming energy demands. The report suggests investments in energy-efficient technologies and renewable sources, while the discussion around reopening nuclear plants remains open.

EUV lithographyenergy consumptionElectronics