Hitachi is positioning itself as a key player in the semiconductor industry's sustainability drive, offering AI-powered solutions and renewable energy infrastructure as chipmakers face mounting pressure to reduce their environmental footprint.
The company showcased 17 integrated solutions at SEMICON SEA 2025 designed to address energy consumption, emissions and operational efficiency across semiconductor fabrication facilities. The offerings span from SF6-free switchgear that eliminates use of gases 23,500 times more harmful than CO2 to AI-driven process optimization that reduces development time and energy waste.
"The semiconductor industry is expanding rapidly, but unfortunately, so is its environmental footprint," said Shinichi Sakai, managing director of Hitachi Asia. "Producing chips today requires huge amounts of electricity, water, and special chemicals."
Hitachi's approach centers on what it calls "Social Innovation," targeting sustainability across the entire semiconductor value chain rather than just individual production processes. The strategy includes its TXpert digital ecosystem for transformer monitoring and Grid-eXpand modular power systems that enable renewable energy integration while maintaining the stable power supply critical for chip manufacturing.
AI-powered optimization tackles energy and efficiency challenges
The company's emphasis on AI-driven solutions addresses one of the industry's biggest challenges: optimizing complex manufacturing processes while reducing resource consumption. Machine learning models simulate plasma process outcomes to cut development time, while smart maintenance systems use AI diagnostics to minimize equipment downtime and waste.
However, Hitachi acknowledges significant barriers to widespread renewable adoption in semiconductor manufacturing. Regional variations in energy infrastructure and the industry's requirement for uninterrupted power make operators cautious about rapid transitions to clean energy.
"Not all regions have the same energy infrastructure or access to reliable renewables," Sakai noted. "We aim to address both issues by offering modular, flexible systems that allow fabs to adopt clean energy gradually, without risking operational downtime."
The sustainability push comes as semiconductor manufacturers face increasing scrutiny over their environmental impact. Chip production requires massive amounts of electricity and water, with some facilities consuming as much power as small cities. Growing regulatory pressure and corporate ESG commitments are forcing companies to seek solutions that maintain performance while reducing resource consumption.
Six-pillar decarbonization framework bridges IT and operations
Hitachi's Digital Services division has developed a six-pillar decarbonization strategy covering power supply, IT infrastructure, applications, architecture, cloud strategy and data stewardship. The approach aims to bridge physical operations with data-driven decision-making to accelerate emissions reduction across semiconductor operations.
The company is also working with supply chain partners to extend sustainability beyond individual facilities. Through its Total Solution Services, Hitachi streamlines procurement of sustainable materials and enables real-time traceability throughout the supply chain.
Industry faces balancing act between growth and green goals
Despite the challenges, Sakai emphasized that renewable energy transition has become a business imperative rather than a long-term aspiration. "Accelerating the shift to renewables isn't about going it alone, it's about aligning vision with action and building the right systems, partnerships, and intelligence to get there."
The semiconductor industry's sustainability efforts face a fundamental tension between growing demand for chips and the need to reduce environmental impact. While technologies like low-temperature processing and AI optimization show promise for transformational change, widespread adoption will require continued collaboration between equipment suppliers, chipmakers and policymakers.
Shinichi Sakai (Credit: Hitachi)
Article edited by Sherri Wang
