Recent #sustainability news in the semiconductor industry

9 months ago

➀ The UK government has announced a £20 million investment in Orbex's Prime rocket, which will be the first orbital rocket manufactured in the UK and launched from British soil.

➁ Orbex, a UK-based private company specializing in low-cost orbital launch services, is set to launch the first Prime rocket towards the end of 2025.

➂ The Prime rocket is powered by renewable bio-propane fuel, making it an ultra-green launch system and aiming to reduce carbon emissions.

Rocket LaunchScotlandSpacegovernment fundingsustainability
9 months ago

➀ The Ruhr-University Bochum and Vonovia are developing a project called EMSiQ which aims to create a sustainable energy management system in an intelligent residential area using renewable energy sources.

➁ The project integrates solar power, heat pumps, and electric mobility solutions to reduce the pressure on public power grids and minimize costs for residents.

➂ The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection with around 2.9 million euros over four years.

E-mobilityenergyrenewable energysolar powersustainability
10 months ago

➀ Researchers at Purdue University have developed a transparent conducting polymer, n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF), which could revolutionize electrochromic displays by making them more sustainable and energy-efficient.

➁ The n-PBDF polymer acts as both a transparent conductor and an ion-storage material, simplifying device architecture and reducing power consumption.

➂ The team plans to improve film uniformity, expand compatibility with other electrochromic materials, and explore applications in batteries, solar cells, and organic LEDs.

Displayenergy efficiencysustainability
10 months ago
➀ The Multi Functional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD) developed under the European Clean Sky 2-/Clean Aviation program was awarded the 2025 JEC Composites Innovation Award in the category 'Aerospace – Parts' for its contribution to high-rate production and sustainable flying.➁ The MFFD demonstrated the potential of thermoplastic construction for aircraft fuselages, achieving a 10% weight reduction and 10% cost savings in production.➂ The project involved the automation of assembly and welding processes for structural and system components, leading to precise and efficient manufacturing methods.
Aerospacesustainability
11 months ago
➀ Dracula Technologies and CoolR Group have integrated Dracula's LAYER OPV modules into CoolR's VistaZ cameras to create a hybrid energy solution for the retail sector; ➁ The integration improves inventory management and enhances product availability on shelves, reducing service costs and carbon footprints; ➂ Dracula's LAYER OPV modules capture ambient light to power the cameras, reducing battery replacement frequency and maintenance costs.
Inventory ManagementIoTenergy harvestingsustainability
11 months ago
➀ An international team from Tohoku University, Tokyo University of Science, and the University of Adelaide has developed a novel technique for enhancing the sustainability and selectivity of electrochemical CO2 reduction processes; ➁ The technique involves atomic-level surface engineering of copper nanoclusters; ➂ This discovery highlights the potential of copper in sustainable chemistry and the importance of international collaboration in addressing carbon emissions.
CO2 ReductionCopperElectrochemistryNanoclusterssustainability
11 months ago
➀ The Fraunhofer IEG is developing a digital battery passport to provide transparency on battery production and recycling. ➁ The BASE project aims to validate and implement the digital battery passport concept over the next three years. ➂ The battery passport will use blockchain technology to track and update battery data throughout its lifecycle, promoting circular economy and sustainability in the battery supply chain.
Battery Managementautomotiveblockchainenergy storagesustainability
11 months ago
➀ The Reiner Lemoine Institute and partners identify 660 rural communities in Nigeria suitable for off-grid electrification, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by 188,000 tons annually. ➁ Community-Driven Mini-Grids (CDMGs) are proposed as a sustainable solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen local economies. ➂ A planning tool for mini-grids is developed to assist local communities in independently planning and implementing electrification projects.
Electrificationenergyrenewable energysustainability
11 months ago
➀ The majority of Germans believe it is 'important' or 'very important' to consider the environmental impact of digitalization; ➁ The DBU has conducted a survey indicating that nearly all aspects of life are affected by digitalization; ➂ Concerns are raised about the potential negative environmental consequences of digital technologies, such as increased electronic waste and energy consumption.
Digital TransformationEconomic DevelopmentEnvironmental Impactsustainabilitytechnology
11 months ago
➀ The Hochschule Bochum researchers have achieved a significant milestone in a pioneering project for decentralized green hydrogen usage in mini-grids with partners SFC Energy AG and Green Power Brains. ➁ The system integrates a solar PV plant with a 200 kWp capacity and a 20 kW PEM electrolysis system, storing hydrogen in 48 high-pressure gas cylinders. ➂ The project focuses on the sustainability assessment and global scalability potential of hydrogen technologies for local applications, with the goal of developing a roadmap for integrating green hydrogen into decentralized energy systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ghana.
AfricaGermanyTechnology Transfereducationenergyrenewable energysustainability
11 months ago
➀ Resilience will be a key focus for electronics supply chains in 2025, as companies seek to identify lower-risk components and localize their supply bases. ➁ AI integration in supply chains will intensify, with a focus on new applications for parsing supply chain intelligence and automating tasks. ➂ A new emphasis on sustainability will see organizations tackle scope-3 emissions in their supply chains, contributing to a deeper understanding of individual component emissions. ➃ Despite improvements, global chip shortages and long manufacturing lead times will continue to challenge the industry.
AIResilienceSupply Chainelectronicssemiconductorssustainability
12 months ago
➀ The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology IPK presents research projects and solutions addressing the challenges of modern manufacturing; ➁ The focus is on data management, flexible manufacturing processes, machine efficiency, human resource support, and sustainable production; ➂ The article highlights the importance of holistic system solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration in research and innovation.
AIIndustry 4.0ManufacturingResearch and Developmentinnovationmachine learningsustainability
12 months ago
➀ Gartner predicts datacentres will require 160% more electricity within two years due to AI demands, with power for AI-optimised servers expected to reach 500 terawatt-hours per year by 2027; ➁ By 2027, 40% of datacentres will be constrained by power shortages, and the growth of new AI datacentres will slow down; ➂ Long-term solutions include new battery storage technologies and clean power sources like small nuclear reactors.
AIDatacentreenergysustainability
12 months ago
➀ A new real lab was opened at the Production Technology Center (PTZ) Berlin to support the transformation of the vehicle and supplier industry in the Berlin-Brandenburg region. The lab aims to facilitate the transition to a more environmentally friendly and efficient production. ➁ The lab offers modern manufacturing and assembly technologies, a testing environment for new technologies, and practical training programs. ➂ A digital production assistant is being researched to address the skilled labor shortage.
Digital TransformationResearch and Developmentautomotiveinnovationsustainability
12 months ago
➀ Qkera, a startup from Technische Universität München, has developed new electrolyte components for solid-state batteries with high energy density and stability. The technology aims to break through battery technology for electromobility and other fields. ➁ The electrolytes consist of a lithium-ion-conducting ceramic-oxide material, offering safety and sustainability benefits. ➂ Qkera received support from TUM Venture Lab ChemSPACE and aims to send prototypes to battery manufacturers by the end of this year.
Battery TechnologyElectromobilityStartupenergy storageinnovationsustainability
12 months ago
➀ Qkera, a startup from the Technical University of Munich, has developed new electrolyte components for solid-state batteries. The technology aims to offer high energy density, stability, and low production costs. ➁ The company's electrolytes are made of a lithium-ion conducting oxide ceramic, which offers advantages in safety and sustainability. ➂ Qkera has received support from the TUM Venture Lab and has been selected as one of the 25 best science startups worldwide by the Falling Walls Science Summit.
Battery TechnologySolid-State BatteriesVenture Capitalenergyinnovationsustainability
12 months ago
➀ Researchers from Politecnico di Milano and collaborating institutions developed hydrophobic paper using the mechanical properties and water resistance of cellulose nanofibers. The study aims to create a sustainable, high-performance material for packaging and biomedical applications. ➁ The approach combines short protein chains (peptides) with cellulose nanofibers without chemical modification, enhancing their mechanical performance and water resistance. ➂ Incorporating fluorine atoms into the peptides creates a structured hydrophobic film, improving water resistance while maintaining biocompatibility and sustainability.
sustainability
12 months ago
➀ The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) is a key player in microchip manufacturing with its comprehensive range of services from lab to fab. ➁ The institute focuses on memory technologies, sensors, actuators, and MEMS systems, with a strong emphasis on sustainable microelectronics. ➂ Fraunhofer IPMS collaborates with industry leaders and offers a full-service offering for MEMS, MOEMS, and microdisplay technologies, including pilot production and technology transfer support.
MEMSMetrologyMicrodisplayMicroelectronicsQuantum Computingsemiconductorsemiconductor industrysustainability
12 months ago
➀ Microsoft is experimenting with cross-laminated timber (CLT) for new data centers in Northern Virginia to reduce its carbon footprint. ➁ The company estimates that using wood in its data centers will cut its carbon footprint by 35% compared to steel construction. ➂ Greenhouse emissions are reduced by 65% when CLT replaces precast concrete.
AIConstructionData centerMicrosoftenergysustainability