In the wake of global supply chain bottlenecks, semiconductor manufacturers are accelerating production to meet chip quotas. The US$573 billion semiconductor industry is expected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2030, primarily driven by soaring demand from the consumer electronics and automotive sectors.
In the rapid expansion of the semiconductor industry, water requirements and expenditures are particularly relevant since a fabrication plant uses millions of gallons of water per day. For water solutions providers, opportunity is present on the treatment side, as ultrapure water is a required input. Additionally, the large water footprints of facilities increase the attractiveness of reuse solutions.
This report lays out Bluefield’s 2023–2030 forecast for capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenditures (OPEX). The forecast focuses on water usage, geographic differences, and key opportunities.
Table of Contents
Market Drivers & Trends
- Global Semiconductor Production by Geography
- Critical Policies Boost Semiconductor Investments
- The Global Semiconductor Sector Poised for Near-Term Growth
- Water Usage Concentrated in the Fabrication Process
- Process Water for Fabrication
- Planned Semiconductor Facilities
- Water Scarcity Risks Threaten Semiconductor Production
Market Outlook
- Forecast Methodology
- Breaking Down Capital and Operating Expenditures
- Year-over-Year Water Usage by Region
- Global Water Management Spending for Semiconductor Fabrications
- Global Water Spend for Semiconductors by Input Category
- U.S. CHIPS Act Propels Water Spend
- Incentives Drives Water Spend and Usage for Semiconductors in Asia
- Key Metrics Influence Opportunities for Water Providers
- Water for Semiconductor Overview by Country
Emerging Opportunities
- Semiconductor Foundry Market Concentrated in Leading Companies
- Water Goals Set to Enhance Operational Efficiency
- Push for ESG Initiatives Increases Reuse Projects
- Improving Water Efficiency Aids Operational Cost Savings
Forecast Methodology
Bluefield’s forecast methodology considers a variety of key market and macroeconomic variables, including semiconductor trends, inflationary pressures, facility-level usage, and policy incentives.
