Samsung Semiconductor explores “water stress” and the effects of expanding production.

“The Earth is Blue,” declared Yuri Gagarin, the trailblazing astronaut who ventured into space. Our planet, with its vast expanses of water covering two-thirds of its surface, radiates a mesmerizing blue hue in the darkness of the cosmos. But today, a new challenge looms over our blue planet: water scarcity. It may be difficult for some to comprehend how our seemingly water-rich world is facing this crisis. To put it in perspective, over 97% of Earth’s water is found in oceans and seas, with another 2% locked away in ice caps. This leaves a mere 1% of freshwater available for our daily needs. Unfortunately, this already limited resource is gradually dwindling due to climate change, environmental pollution, and population growth, leading to heightened water stress. Water stress is measured by the ratio of water demand to available resources on an annual basis, indicating the severity of water scarcity as stress levels rise. Higher stress indexes signify more severe water scarcity.

The semiconductor industry, like many others, heavily relies on water for its operations. Throughout various stages of semiconductor manufacturing processes, significant amounts of water are utilized, particularly in wafer cleaning where ultra-pure water is essential. Ultra-pure water undergoes rigorous purification processes to remove impurities, ensuring optimal chip production and quality. It is often referred to as the ‘lifeblood’ of semiconductors. Consequently, tens of thousands of tons of water are required daily for semiconductor production, making effective water resource management a critical task.

Recognizing the global nature of water stress issues, stakeholders from international organizations and governments collaborate to negotiate water resource management strategies. The United Nations designates March 22nd as “World Water Day” to raise awareness about the severity of water scarcity and promote campaigns addressing this issue. Now, it is imperative for companies to also shoulder responsibility for sustainable water management.

Samsung Semiconductor is no exception. As it plans to expand its production lines to meet the surging demand for semiconductors, the company anticipates a more than doubling of its industrial water requirements by 2030. However, Samsung Semiconductor has been actively exploring solutions to secure industrial water while minimizing water intake.

One of these solutions involves reusing sewage water. By converting public sewage water into industrial water, Samsung Semiconductor aims to reduce dependence on natural water sources. In November 2022, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Environment, Gyeonggi Province, and five city bodies in South Korea, along with the Korea Water Resources Corporation and the Korea Environment Corporation, to implement a sewage treatment water reuse plan. This plan is projected to supply approximately 400,000 tons of water daily, amounting to a staggering 1.5 billion tons annually. By utilizing public sewage water, Samsung Semiconductor aims to alleviate water stress and ensure maximum availability of industrial water without depleting natural sources.

To effectively utilize sewage reused water for industrial purposes, membrane technology plays a crucial role. Membrane technology is an advanced filtration method that purifies water by allowing only molecules smaller than water to pass through while filtering out larger substances such as minerals and microbes. Samsung Semiconductor also focuses on maximizing water reuse rates through conservation activities, operational optimizations, equipment upgrades, process refinements, and the establishment of recycling systems to minimize water intake.

The exceptional water management capabilities of Samsung Semiconductor have earned international recognition. The Hwaseong, Giheung, and Pyeongtaek sites in South Korea, as well as the Xi’an site in China, have been awarded the highest rating of ‘Platinum’ certification by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS). AWS evaluates business site water management capabilities based on 100 criteria, including stable water management, pollution control measures, and impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Achieving Platinum certification on the first attempt is a remarkable feat, showcasing Samsung Semiconductor’s excellence in water resource management and its adherence to international standards.

With a commitment to developing and implementing sustainable technologies, Samsung Semiconductor aims to lead the semiconductor industry while striving to keep water withdrawal at 2021 levels by 2030. By embracing collaboration and leveraging innovative solutions, the company seeks to secure industrial water resources responsibly and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Background Information

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About Samsung:

Samsung, a South Korean multinational conglomerate, has established itself as a global leader in various industries, including electronics, technology, and more. Founded in 1938, Samsung's influence spans from smartphones and consumer electronics to semiconductors and home appliances. With a commitment to innovation, Samsung has contributed products like the Galaxy series of smartphones, QLED TVs, and SSDs that have revolutionized the way we live and work.

  

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