Experts Urge Sustainable Design as India’s Chip Industry Expands

Semiconductor factories make the tiny components used in many electronic devices.

These factories need very large amounts of clean water, energy and chemicals.

Experts said India should plan how to save and reuse water before building new factories.

One large factory may use 10–15 million gallons of water every day.

Using groundwater for that much water would not be sustainable.

Experts suggested separating different wastewater streams so they can be treated and reused more easily.

They also warned that smaller chip designs may require more rinsing and therefore more water.

Another concern is PFAS, chemicals that can remain in the environment for a long time.

Researchers and companies will need to work together to find safer alternatives.