TSMC's 1nm Wafer Fab: Chiayi 2030 Production Plan

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has unveiled its latest plans for the establishment of a cutting-edge 1nm wafer fabrication facility. Inside sources from Taiwan, China, indicate that TSMC is contemplating the construction of this facility in the science park of Taibao City, Chiayi County, central Taiwan, as part of its strategic expansion initiatives.

Reports reveal that TSMC has formally submitted a land request of 100 hectares to the Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau, responsible for overseeing the Chiayi Science Park. Within this allocation, 40 hectares are designated for an advanced packaging facility, while the remaining 60 hectares are earmarked for the development of a 1nm wafer fabrication facility. This expansion surpasses the initially planned 88 hectares in the first phase of the Chiayi Science Park, indicating a potential acceleration of the park's second-phase development to accommodate TSMC's requirements.

During the consideration phase in 2023, TSMC evaluated multiple science parks, including Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Longtan, for hosting its 1nm production line. Various factors, such as land availability, water supply, and power infrastructure, were taken into account. The final decision to choose Chiayi signifies the company's departure from alternative plans.

It is reported that TSMC's site selection team conducted a survey in the Chiayi Science Park in August 2023, preceding the formal inclusion of the park under the jurisdiction of the Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau. This decision follows the contentious scenario surrounding TSMC's initial plan to expand in the third phase of the Longtan Science Park, which faced strong opposition, leading to the abandonment of the expansion project.

The administrative authorities of Chiayi County express their respect for TSMC's decision on the location and extend a warm welcome to the anticipated investment and influx of talent into the region. Notably, the Chiayi Science Park currently benefits from abundant clean energy resources and plans for a desalination plant, positioning it as an ideal hub for industrial development.

Industry analysts underscore the strategic significance of TSMC's selection of the Chiayi Science Park for its 1nm process. This move is seen as a means to diversify regional risks and stimulate local development. Additionally, the park's convenient proximity to the Chiayi High-Speed Rail station, just seven minutes away, aligns with TSMC founder Morris Chang's vision of efficiently mobilizing engineers across different locations in a single day.

According to TSMC's previously disclosed roadmap, the mass production of A14 at the 1.4nm level and A10 at the 1nm level is anticipated between 2027 and 2030.