Europe must prioritize sustainable chip production to lower emissions

A new study suggests that Europe should prioritize sustainable semiconductor production as emissions from chip manufacturing rise. The report highlights a 125% increase in global energy use in the sector over the past eight years. The study emphasizes the lower emissions associated with "legacy" chips, which are used in various applications like cars and electric grids. European companies like STMicroelectronics and Infineon are already leaders in this area. The EU is considering further support for its semiconductor industry after the 2023 Chips Act, which aimed to boost cutting-edge production but fell short. The study raises questions about the environmental impact of pursuing advanced chip manufacturing in Europe.