TSMC Expands 2nm Production, P4 and P5 Under Review

TSMC is set to begin mass production at its Kaohsiung P1 facility next year, while construction and planning for the P2 and P3 plants continue. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-Mai highlighted TSMC's efforts to meet the growing global demand for AI chips and other products. Groundbreaking for the P3 facility is scheduled for October, and environmental assessments for the P4 and P5 plants have already begun. The Nanzih Industrial Park, where these developments are taking place, has become a key location for TSMC, leading some local residents to suggest renaming it "TSMC Park."

As part of Taiwan's broader semiconductor expansion strategy, the central government approved the repurposing of the former Kaohsiung Refinery site in July last year. This area, designated for the Southern Taiwan Science Park's third expansion (Nanzih Park), covers approximately 175.3 hectares and is primarily focused on semiconductor industry needs. The project includes business zones, green spaces, parking areas, and public facilities, and is managed by the Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau, alongside the Luzhu and Qiaotou science parks.

TSMC's P1 plant, dedicated to its 2nm process, is expected to begin production in 2024, with 1,500 employees set to move into the Kaohsiung facility by the end of this year. The P2 facility is also expected to be completed next year. The P3 plant passed its environmental review in August, while applications for the construction of P4 and P5 are underway, with a total site area of 41 hectares.

Industry insiders report that planning for the P4 and P5 plants is progressing smoothly, with ongoing reviews to meet TSMC’s requirements. Local authorities and TSMC are working closely to ensure the timely expansion of semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in Kaohsiung, accelerating the adoption of advanced processes.