Mark Osborne, Editor-in-Chief, Semiconductor Fabtech

ABSTRACT

Energy-consumption-reduction strategies are nothing new, however, such energy-saving efforts have not been successful in reducing the overall energy consumption of the semiconductor industry. The total number of operational fabs continues to increase due to the continued growth of the industry. The number of "Mega" 300-mm fabs (50 by the end of 2005) [1] that have significantly higher energy consumption levels is also rising. The world is also coming to terms with the realisation that energy costs will continue to rise as consumption of fossil fuels (regarded as the cheapest energy source) is under sustained supply/demand pressure.