Overview

As a member of the RE100 global renewable energy initiative, UMC is committed to be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2050. We have made significant progress towards this goal, doubling our use of renewable energy in 2023 from the previous year to account for 11.1% of total energy consumption. With a 181-megawatt peak (MWp) renewable energy purchase agreement coming into effect this year, we are on track to achieving our progressive targets of 25% renewable energy use by 2025 and 50% by 2030.

UMC Group’s renewable energy targets

In addition to procurement from third-party sources, UMC’s strategy for energy transition includes evaluating potential investments in renewable energy projects, adopting emerging technologies in power generation, and accelerating installations of rooftop solar panels. Since joining RE100 advocacy in 2021, UMC has tripled our on-site solar photovoltaic capacity to 13,700-kilowatt peak (kWp) – enough to power 4,500 households for one year. UMC began our fab solar installation program in 2010, under which electricity generated in Taiwan was sold to the power grid as part of the government’s push for decarbonization. By the end of 2024, the arrangement will expire and all of the energy generated by our rooftop solar panels will go to power our operations.

In Taiwan, we have already fully utilized all available space for solar panel installations, and our installed capacity is currently the highest amongst all semiconductor foundry peers. Outside of Taiwan, our fabs in Singapore, China, and Japan are also expand their on-site solar energy generation. For all new fabs, solar energy systems are now a standard part of design and construction.

Rooftop solar panels at Fab 12A

With extensive experience in setting up our own solar systems, UMC is also enabling energy transition within our community. Volunteers from our Energy Saving Service Team have assisted universities with evaluating solar installation methods as well as provided maintenance and safety recommendations. While striving to increase renewable energy usage within our own operations, UMC also aims to drive decarbonization in our industry by working with value chain partners to realize a greener, net-zero future.