As global temperatures persist in rising to concerning new highs, national governments, multinational corporations, small businesses, and individuals are all urgently exploring ways to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risks. One increasingly popular and impactful method that is gaining significant traction is the use of carbon credits to provide powerful financial incentives for businesses and consumers to cut emissions and support the rapid development of renewable energy sources.
This informative post is the 4th installment in our acclaimed new series based on our organization’s highly regarded 2023 Climate Change and Carbon Markets Annual Report.
The previous posts in this illuminating series so far have been:
- Climate Change Basics: Causes, Impacts and Carbon Credit Solutions
- Carbon Credits Are Essential For Climate Action
- Carbon Credits For Fighting Climate Change
In this post, we will take a closer look at various energy sources and strategies, emphasizing the importance of diverse solutions like fuel switching, renewables, nuclear energy, and carbon capture to combat climate change and achieve a sustainable energy future..
The Wedge Theory – A Portfolio Approach to Emissions Reductions
Climate experts propose a “wedge theory” framework to conceptualize the portfolio of solutions needed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and stabilize the climate. This approach requires deploying diverse technologies and strategies, each providing a “wedge” of avoided emissions adding up to the total reductions needed. The original theory called for 7 wedges, but emissions have continued rising, so 9 are now required. Wedges include renewables, nuclear energy, fuel switching, energy efficiency, forests and soils, and carbon capture and storage.
Understanding Fuel Switching
Fuel switching entails replacing carbon-intensive fuels like coal and oil with less carbon-intensive ones like natural gas. For example, switching from coal to gas can decrease power plant emissions by 60% per kilowatt-hour.
- Coal: 25 metric tons carbon per terajoule
- Oil: 20 metric tons carbon per terajoule
- Natural Gas: 14 metric tons carbon per terajoule
So switching to gas provides a “bridge” to zero-carbon energy systems. The shale gas boom enabled by hydraulic fracturing accelerated this trend in the United States. However, the environmental impacts of techniques like fracking cannot be disregarded.
Nuclear Energy: A Renewable Source?
Nuclear energy, often hailed as a clean energy source, is derived from the process of splitting uranium atoms through fission. This fission process heats water to produce steam, which in turn spins turbines, ultimately generating electricity. The entire procedure emits no greenhouse gases, making it an attractive option in the fight against climate change. However, the question of whether nuclear energy can be classified as “renewable” remains a topic of contention among experts and environmentalists. While it offers a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, concerns about radioactive waste, the finite nature of uranium resources, and potential safety risks make its categorization as a renewable energy source debatable.
Harnessing Inexhaustible Sources: The Role of Renewables
Renewable energy derived from inexhaustible natural sources like sunlight, wind, and water offers immense potential with little to no GHG emissions. Growing renewables is crucial for climate change mitigation.
Solar Energy: Ever Improving Technologies
Solar energy, a cornerstone of renewable power sources, harnesses the abundant energy radiated by the sun. This is achieved primarily through two technologies: photovoltaics (PV) and concentrated solar plants. Photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar panels, are designed to directly convert sunlight into electricity. They achieve this transformation using specially crafted semiconductor materials that capture photons and initiate an electric current. One of the standout features of solar PV systems is their adaptability. They can be installed on a grand scale for utility purposes, powering entire communities or even cities. Alternatively, they can be set up in smaller, distributed configurations, such as on rooftops of individual homes, allowing homeowners to generate their own electricity and even feed excess power back into the grid. As technology continues to advance, the efficiency and applications of solar energy are bound to expand, making it an even more integral part of our energy landscape.
Geothermal Energy: Tapping into Earth’s Heat
Geothermal energy is a remarkable form of power that taps into the Earth’s innate thermal energy stored beneath its crust. This energy originates from the radioactive decay of materials deep within the planet and the original heat from Earth’s formation. In regions with pronounced subsurface temperatures, often marked by volcanic or tectonic activity, the potential for generating geothermal electricity is especially high. The typical process involves accessing hot water reservoirs located below the surface. This water, when pumped up through specialized wells, transforms into steam due to the pressure difference. This steam then propels turbine generators, converting the Earth’s heat into usable electricity. As a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source, geothermal power offers a consistent and reliable alternative to more conventional power generation methods.
Hydro and Wind: Leveraging Flowing Resources
Hydropower converts the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity using turbine generators. Dams with reservoirs
offer reliable large-scale hydro electricity, while run-of-river systems have lower impact.
Wind power harnesses the kinetic energy of wind, again turning turbines to produce power. Onshore and offshore wind farms are rapidly expanding as costs plummet.
But hydropower and wind face challenges in location constraints, transmission needs, and intermittency. Still, they are vital and growing pieces of the renewables puzzle.
Bioenergy: Leveraging Natural Carbon Sinks
Bioenergy stands out as a unique form of renewable energy because it taps into the chemical energy naturally stored within organic materials. This energy is derived from both living organisms, like plants and animals, and those that have recently died. A diverse range of sources, including forest biomass, residues from agricultural activities and livestock, as well as various waste streams, can be converted into renewable electricity, fuels for transportation, and heat for homes and industries.
However, it’s essential to approach bioenergy with a discerning eye. While it holds great potential, not every form of bioenergy is environmentally beneficial. For instance, clearing vast expanses of forests to cultivate energy crops can lead to significant carbon emissions and disrupt delicate ecosystems. This not only negates the carbon benefits but also poses threats to biodiversity. Looking at the positive aspects, bioenergy can be obtained from waste biomass or cultivated on lands that are not suitable for other agricultural purposes. This not only provides a sustainable solution, but also has a positive impact on the climate. Such practices ensure that greenhouse gas emissions are minimized, making bioenergy a viable and eco-conscious energy alternative.
Waste-to-Energy: Capturing Landfill Gas
Landfill gas (LFG) projects prevent methane emissions from landfills by capturing methane for flaring or energy use. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, so converting it to CO2 via combustion provides immediate climate benefits. LFG projects also reduce local air pollution.
Captured LFG can be used onsite for electricity, heat, or even vehicle fuel. These projects provide environmental and socio-economic benefits to communities near landfills.
Sequestering Carbon: Storing Away Emissions
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) aims to balance continued fossil fuel use with equivalent carbon storage elsewhere. CCUS removes CO2 from large point sources like power plants or directly extracts CO2 from ambient air. The carbon is then stored via injection into geologic formations, old oil and gas reservoirs, or chemical conversion into stable solids.
While technologically feasible, CCUS still faces challenges with scaling up infrastructure, ensuring permanent storage, and lowering costs. More investment is needed to develop CCUS into a viable wedge.
The All-Out Effort Needed
Bending the global emissions curve downwards requires urgent economy-wide action across all sectors. Intelligently leveraging fuel switching, nuclear energy, renewables, bioenergy, and eventually carbon storage provides paths to a carbon-neutral future. But the clock is ticking. Successfully activating these climate wedges demands policies, partnerships, and funding on a massive scale. Our future depends on rising to this great challenge.
To learn more about the role fuel switching plays in fighting climate change contact us for the full report.
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Photo by Jason Blackeye on Unsplash
Uranium Energy Corp (UEC) is making big strides in the uranium industry. With strong financial results, strategic acquisitions, and a growing focus on sustainability, the company is positioning itself as a leader in clean energy.
In the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025, UEC reported impressive revenue, expanded its domestic uranium production, and strengthened its commitment to net-zero emissions. Here’s a closer look at how UEC is shaping the future of nuclear energy.
Strong Financials Fuel UEC’s Growth
UEC generated a revenue of $49.8 million from selling 600,000 pounds of U₃O₈ (uranium ore concentrate) at an average price of $82.92 per pound. This resulted in a gross profit of $18.2 million.
Additionally, UEC maintained an inventory of 1,356,000 pounds of U₃O₈, valued at $97.3 million based on current market prices. The uranium company has strong liquidity, holding $214 million in liquid assets and no debt. This positions the company well for future growth and stability in operations.
The company’s President and CEO remarked on their financial results, saying:
“This quarter, UEC achieved significant milestones in production ramp-up, acquisitions, sales and construction across our project pipeline…Financial strength remains a cornerstone of our growth strategy, with over $214 million(4) in liquid assets and zero debt as of January 31, 2025. Our strong balance sheet, combined with the low capital intensity of ISR operations, provides the capability to accelerate production growth in a rapidly tightening uranium market.”
UEC is boosting U.S. uranium production through the following initiatives:
Christensen Ranch and Irigaray Processing Plant. UEC has restarted the Christensen Ranch In-Situ Recovery (ISR) Mine. It’s located in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. Uranium-loaded resin is now on the way from the Christensen Ranch Satellite Plant to the Irigaray Central Processing Plant. This plant can produce 4.0 million pounds of U₃O₈ each year.
Burke Hollow ISR Mine is growing in Texas. Right now, 32 workers are on the job. This expansion aligns with UEC’s strategy to enhance domestic uranium production.
UEC bought Rio Tinto’s Wyoming uranium assets. This includes the Sweetwater Plant, which can process 3,000 tons per day. It has a licensed capacity of 4.1 million pounds of U₃O₈ each year. This acquisition strengthens UEC’s position in the uranium market.
Roughrider Project. UEC’s Roughrider Project in Saskatchewan, Canada, shows great economic promise. The project is among the lowest 15% in global production costs.
In addition to its robust financial performance, UEC is positioned to benefit from the growing interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which offer significant advantages over traditional large-scale nuclear plants. SMRs are smaller, scalable, and faster to build, making them ideal for flexible power generation. They require less capital upfront, have shorter construction times, and can be strategically located near electricity demand centers, reducing transmission losses and infrastructure costs.
Several countries, including Canada and the United States, are actively investing in SMR technology, aiming to expand clean energy capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As a key uranium supplier, UEC will play a crucial role in providing the necessary fuel for these reactors, supporting a stable energy transition and enabling countries to meet ambitious climate goals.
Net-Zero Uranium: UEC’s Sustainability Roadmap
The demand for uranium is outpacing primary production, with a 1-billion-pound supply gap projected by 2040, according to UEC. As 31+ countries pledge to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, the push for uranium intensifies.
In the U.S., government policies favor domestic uranium production, banning Russian imports and funding nuclear technology. Additionally, big tech companies, driven by rising data center electricity demands, are turning to nuclear power for clean energy solutions.
UEC, as America’s largest uranium supplier, is positioned to benefit from this shift, ensuring a stable domestic supply amid increasing reliance on nuclear energy for net-zero goals (1.5C Pathway).
Commitment to Net-Zero and Emissions Reduction
Uranium Energy Corp is focused on achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its U.S. ISR operations. In 2023, the company remained CO₂ neutral from its operations for the second consecutive year. The company has also conducted a decarbonization study for its Texas ISR facilities to align with this goal.
UEC has expanded its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions measurements to cover all operational locations, ensuring comprehensive tracking of its environmental impact. A decarbonization strategy for its Wyoming facilities is also in progress.
- In 2023, the company reported total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 2,711.86 tCO₂e, with Wyoming contributing the most (1,475.23 tCO₂e). Scope 1 emissions totaled 1,343.77 tCO₂e, while Scope 2 reached 1,368.09 tCO₂e.
The company is also looking at new carbon-reduction technologies. This will help it cut down emissions even more.
Sustainable Mining Practices
UEC uses In-Situ Recovery (ISR) mining. This method is eco-friendly – it cuts down on surface disturbance and uses less water and energy. This approach avoids blasting and moving waste rock. So, it leads to lower emissions and less harm to the environment than traditional mining methods.
The ISR process greatly cuts greenhouse gas emissions. This is better than open-pit or underground mining. Traditional uranium mining methods release higher levels of CO₂ due to the heavy use of diesel-powered equipment and the need for extensive land excavation.
By using ISR technology, UEC is able to cut CO₂ emissions, making uranium extraction cleaner and more sustainable. The company is exploring alternative energy sources. It looks at solar and wind to power its mining operations, aiming to reduce carbon impact.
Carbon Offsets and Renewable Energy Investments
To further reduce its carbon footprint, Uranium Energy Corp has invested in carbon credits to offset emissions. In 2023, the company neutralized all its corporate emissions. This totaled 2,712 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e). They achieved this by buying carbon credits from the A-Gas Voluntary Emission Reduction Program in Texas.
This initiative helps prevent the release of used hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are significantly more damaging to the environment than CO₂. Supporting this program lets UEC reclaim and destroy harmful gases. This way, they don’t get released into the atmosphere.
In addition to carbon offsets, UEC has also invested in Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for its Palangana ISR site in Texas. These certificates help create clean energy. This reduces the company’s dependence on fossil fuels.
UEC is committed to lowering its environmental impact. It does this by combining carbon offsetting with renewable energy purchases in its sustainability strategy. This approach supports responsible uranium production.
Nuclear Power’s Role in a Low-Carbon Future
UEC plays a key role in the transition to clean energy by supplying uranium for nuclear power, a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. Nuclear energy supplies 55% of the U.S.’s carbon-free electricity. This cuts emissions like taking 107 million gas cars off the road each year.
The company is aligned with global net-zero commitments, including the COP28 pledge to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050. UEC has also begun evaluating a net-zero mine design for its Roughrider Project, further integrating sustainability into its operations.
Uranium Energy Corp’s strong financial performance, strategic acquisitions, and commitment to sustainability highlight its leadership in the uranium sector. UEC focuses on clean energy, cutting emissions, and responsible mining. This puts them in a strong position to help the world shift to a low-carbon future.
For real-time insights into uranium pricing, visit our Live Uranium Pricing page.
The post UEC Reports Stellar $49.8M Revenue as Net-Zero Uranium Strategy Gains Momentum appeared first on Carbon Credits.
The Large Energy Users Pledge was announced on March 12 at the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, Texas. Big companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta have joined a pledge to triple nuclear energy use by 2050.
These tech giants have teamed up with Dow, Allseas, OSGE, and Occidental to push for more nuclear power. This is the first time major businesses outside the nuclear sector have publicly supported such a big nuclear expansion.
The pledge started in September 2023 and already has support from 31 countries, 14 major global banks, and 140 nuclear industry companies.
Nuclear Energy: A Reliable and Scalable Solution
Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA), said,
“The unprecedented support announced today by some of the world’s most influential companies to at least triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 sends a clear signal to accelerate policy, finance and regulatory changes that enable the rapid expansion of nuclear power. The global shift towards more nuclear highlights this is the only way we’ll deliver the abundant firm clean energy required to power growth and innovation in technology, a host of other industries and the entire economy.”
The pledge highlights nuclear energy’s benefits like:
- Offering stable and reliable power 24/7.
- Not affected by weather conditions like wind or solar.
- Helps industries reduce costs and offers a steady supply of heat for factories and chemical plants.
Other notable companies who have also joined the nuclear pledge are Allseas, Bureau Veritas, Carbon3Energy, Clean Energy Buyers Alliance, Core Power, Dow, Fly Green Alliance, Lloyd’s Register, Occidental, OSGE, and Siemens Energy.
The WNA expects even more businesses to sign the pledge soon. Industries like maritime, aviation, chemicals, and hydrocarbons are showing more interest in nuclear energy.
Dow Energy & Climate Business Vice President Edward Stones said,
“Energy is the lifeblood of global manufacturing and therefore investing and expanding access to clean, reliable, cost-competitive nuclear energy is critical to industrial progress. Dow considers nuclear energy, especially the promising technology of advanced small modular nuclear, to be a long-term competitive source of safe, firm and clean energy.”
The Large Energy Users Pledge
The pledge highlights nuclear power’s role in energy security and economic growth. It calls for a stronger, more reliable energy system with nuclear alongside other clean energy sources.
Here’s a snapshot of the pledge.
Big energy users want to triple nuclear power by 2050 to meet rising energy needs and help economies grow. Their strategy also includes new reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced designs.
How Is Nuclear Power Shaping Global Energy Consumption?
Nuclear energy has been a critical part of the world’s power supply for decades. Today, it provides about 10% of global electricity, with over 400 reactors operating in more than 30 countries.
Some countries, such as France, depend on nuclear power for over 70% of their electricity. The United States and China are also increasing their nuclear capacity. They want to rely less on fossil fuels.
Compared to fossil fuel plants, nuclear power plants operate at a higher capacity factor. This means they produce electricity more efficiently and consistently.
While coal and natural gas plants may run at about 50–60% capacity, nuclear plants often reach 90% or higher. This makes nuclear energy one of the most reliable sources of electricity in the world.
However, some countries are rethinking their nuclear investments. Germany, for example, closed its last nuclear plants in 2023. But now, rising energy costs and supply worries have sparked talks about restarting nuclear programs.
Why Tech Giants Want to Invest in Nuclear?
In 2023, nuclear power plants worldwide generated around 2,600 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. As electricity demand continues to rise, countries are prioritizing nuclear energy as a reliable solution.
Countries such as the USA and China are leading nuclear expansion efforts, with multiple reactors under construction. It’s for the same reason that big companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Oracle are making this shift toward nuclear to reach their net-zero goals.
Explaining further, the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving up energy use in data centers. Right now, they make up about 2% to 3% of total U.S. power consumption. This number could reach 9% by 2030. This rise is putting pressure on current power systems. As a result, tech giants are looking for new energy sources to meet their increasing demands.
To tackle these challenges, they are looking at nuclear energy, especially small modular reactors. The SMRs can be placed near data centers, ensuring a steady energy supply and reducing environmental impact.
More significantly, one of the biggest advantages of nuclear power is that it is a low-carbon energy source. Unlike coal and natural gas, nuclear reactors do not produce greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
- According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nuclear energy prevents over 2 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. This makes nuclear power an essential tool in the fight against climate change.
Google’s SMR Investments
Google is looking at nuclear energy to help meet its 2030 net-zero emissions goal, says CEO Sundar Pichai. The company is investing in clean energy, including solar and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
In 2023, Google’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reached 14.3 million tCO2e. This was a 13% increase from the previous year and a 48% jump from 2019. Emissions have been rising since 2020.
Thus, Google made a deal with Kairos Power in October 2025. They plan to build several SMRs to power AI data centers. The first reactor could be running this decade, depending on approvals. More reactors are expected by 2035. This move helps Google lower its carbon footprint while meeting the energy needs of its growing AI operations
Meta Bets on Nuclear for Reliable Clean Energy
Meta has been using 100% renewable energy for its global operations since 2020. Now, the company is exploring nuclear power to meet rising energy demands and support its AI and environmental goals.
Meta’s Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy, noted,
“As global economies expand, the need for a reliable, clean, and resilient energy supply is paramount. Nuclear energy, with its ability to provide continuous power, can help meet this rising demand. We’re excited to join alongside this multi-organisational effort with the Tripling Nuclear Pledge to reiterate our commitment to nuclear energy.”
On December 3, Meta announced plans to work with nuclear power developers. The company believes that nuclear energy provides a steady power supply unlike solar and wind energy, making it crucial for grid stability and AI workloads.
Since 2021, Meta has cut emissions by 16.4 million metric tons of CO2e through renewable energy. In 2023, its net emissions were 7.4 million metric tons.
In 2023 alone, the company’s renewable energy initiatives helped cut operational emissions by 5.1 MMTCO2e, while value chain emissions were reduced by 1.4 MMTCO2e. Thus, Meta is optimistic about hitting its net-zero target by adding nuclear energy to its clean energy portfolio.
Amazon’s SMR Strategy
Amazon is adding nuclear power to supply carbon-free energy to AWS data centers and is investing over $52 billion across three U.S. states as part of its massive data center expansion.
The company has signed three key deals to explore and build small modular reactors (SMRs). AWS CEO Matt Garman believes SMRs can provide scalable and reliable power for growing data needs.
In 2023, Amazon’s carbon footprint was nearly 69 million metric tons of CO2—lower than its 2021 peak but still significant.
AWS is working to reduce emissions, betting on SMRs. They hope nuclear could be a game changer, offering a sustainable energy source for the future.
Amazon Web Services’ Brandon Oyer, Head of Americas Energy and Water, said,
“Accelerating nuclear energy development will be critical to strengthening our nation’s security, meeting future energy demands, and addressing climate change. Amazon supports the World Nuclear Association’s pledge, and is proud to have invested more than USD1 billion over the last year in nuclear energy projects and technologies, which is part of our broader Climate Pledge commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040.”
Global Investment in Nuclear Energy: 2050 Forecast
Notably, global investment in nuclear energy is set to rise. Right now, it’s about $65 billion each year. As per IEA, by 2030, it could hit $70 billion with current policies. Nuclear capacity is expected to grow by over 50% to nearly 650 GW by 2050.
Amazon, Meta, Google, and other companies that have joined the pledge are aware that even with better energy use, industries will still need a lot more power. However, nuclear projects require high upfront costs, long development times, and strict regulations. Despite these challenges, their long lifespan and low carbon emissions make them a strong choice for long-term energy planning.
The post Meta, Google, and Amazon Join Global Pledge to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050 appeared first on Carbon Credits.
Carbon Footprint
TSMC Dominates AI Chip Market with Record Sales—But Can It Its Tackle Rising Emissions?
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the largest semiconductor foundry in the world, reported strong revenue growth in the first two months of 2025. The company earned NT$553.3 billion (US$16.81 billion), a 39.2% increase from last year. This growth is driven by the high demand for AI chips, especially from NVIDIA.
AI Demand Fuels TSMC Revenue Growth
In February 2025, TSMC’s revenue hit NT$260.01 billion, up 43.1% compared to last February. This marks the highest sales for February ever. However, it was an 11.3% drop from January 2025. Analysts expect revenue to rise in March, possibly exceeding NT$266.7 billion. This aligns with TSMC’s first-quarter sales goal of NT$820 billion to NT$846.24 billion.
As the main manufacturer of AI chips globally, TSMC is key to the tech industry. Its major clients include AMD, Apple, ARM, Broadcom, MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Nvidia. The growth of AI applications has increased chip demand, boosting TSMC’s expansion.
Massive U.S. Expansion Plans
The chip giant recently revealed it is expanding its U.S. operations with a $100 billion investment. This builds on its earlier $65 billion promise in Phoenix, Arizona. Now, the total is $165 billion. The expansion adds three new semiconductor plants, two packaging facilities, and a big R&D center. This marks the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history.
The expansion can potentially create tens of thousands of high-tech jobs. It aims to generate over $200 billion in economic output in the next decade. Furthermore, the company can also strengthen its ties with top U.S. AI and tech firms like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, and Qualcomm.
However, a major challenge for TSMC in 2025 is the potential for U.S. tariffs on chip imports. Making news, TSMC’s CEO, C.C. Wei, met with former President Donald Trump at the White House. They talked about the investment and possibly addressed tariff concerns.
- READ MORE: NVIDIA Breaks Revenue Records as AI Demand Skyrockets, Targets 100% Renewable Energy in 2025
TSMC’s Path to Net Zero
TSMC has a clear roadmap to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. It launched Taiwan’s first Renewable Energy Joint Procurement Model. This model encourages suppliers to adopt low-carbon practices.
To support these efforts, TSMC released its first Climate and Nature Report in 2024. The company focuses on tech growth and caring for the environment. This way, it helps create a greener future.
TSMC prioritizes sustainability through eco-efficiency initiatives. In 2023, it reported a 31% rise in unit GHG emissions per wafer but is committed to cutting overall emissions.
Rising Emissions
- Scope 1 and 2 emissions rose from 11,558,554 tonnes CO₂e in 2022 to 11,783,418 tonnes CO₂e in 2023, marking a 1.9% increase year-over-year.
- Scope 3 emissions increased from 7,429,158 tonnes CO₂e in 2022 to 7,616,655 tonnes CO₂e in 2023.
- Unit GHG emissions per 12-inch wafer mask layer grew by 31%, exceeding the 9% target set from the 2020 baseline.
Global Energy Conservation with Advanced Technologies
In 2023, TSMC implemented 822 energy-saving measures, saving 830 GWh of electricity and cutting NT$590 million in carbon costs through internal pricing.
Additionally, Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) estimates that TSMC’s innovations will boost global energy savings from 16.9 billion kWh in 2020 to 235.4 billion kWh by 2030.
More significantly, the company leads in energy-efficient semiconductor technology. Smaller, more efficient chips help devices use less power. With such innovations, TSMC leads in smarter manufacturing and industry-wide efficiency.
Sustainability Goals and Achievements
- Purchased 2,592 GWh of renewable energy, covering all overseas operations (11.2% of total use).
- Promotes closed-loop systems to recycle chemicals and packaging, making manufacturing more sustainable and energy-efficient.
- Increasing renewable energy usage in new 3nm fabs to over 20% and aiming to reach 60% across all operations by 2030.
- Replacing coal with cleaner natural gas and adopting carbon capture technologies to cut emissions. Lowering transportation emissions through greener logistics.
- Targeting 100% renewable energy globally by 2040—10 years ahead of schedule. It’s using low-carbon energy sources like wind and solar power while optimizing power consumption for greater efficiency.
- Reducing unit water consumption by 30% while boosting reclaimed water use by 60%.
Protecting Biodiversity
TSMC is committed to protecting biodiversity. The company seeks zero deforestation and no net loss, aiming for a positive environmental impact by 2050. It’s creating action plans as per the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN) to protect nature and reach net-zero emissions.
In 2024, it launched the Eco-Plus program in Taichung and continues to assess environmental risks and opportunities.
TSMC’s strong financial performance in early 2025 shows the rising demand for AI chips and its significance in the semiconductor industry. Despite a slight rise in emissions, it remains focused on emissions reduction and renewable energy adoption as part of its long-term sustainability strategy.
The post TSMC Dominates AI Chip Market with Record Sales—But Can It Its Tackle Rising Emissions? appeared first on Carbon Credits.
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