Semiconductors are the building blocks for all electronic devices and have become vital in today’s society. They can help create artificial intelligence and provide renewable energy through solar panels. With an ever-growing population, we will be relying on devices even more, which requires most semiconductor manufacturing companies to have a plan for sustainable practices. The semiconductor industry is responsible for advancing technology, new products, and billions of dollars in revenue. Below are three examples of how semiconductors impact the energy industry.
1- Solar Panel
The solar industry is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. Residential and commercial use of solar energy has doubled in the past four years and is expected to continue to grow. The growth of solar energy use can be attributed to semiconductors that control the flow of current and voltage, which maximize the efficiency of solar panels. Semiconductor companies like STMicroelectronics have already invested in renewable energies by developing products that support this new technology. The growth of this industry can be seen in the number of solar-related patents filed, which has more than doubled in the past ten years. For a sustainable energy future, semiconductor companies provide products with the highest quality.
2- Energy Storage
Semiconductors have been playing an essential role in the development of energy storage by allowing devices to operate from intermittent energy sources. Lithium-ion batteries are one example of battery technology. It is becoming easier for semiconductor companies to create and produce super-capacitors for electric vehicles, solar, and wind power. Super-capacitors store energy using a high-charged ion concentration without an external power source. This allows these devices to be used in applications requiring high energy storage and recharge times, like wearable devices and digital cameras. Energy storage capabilities will continue to expand since lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than super-capacitors. The semiconductor industry is advancing its practices for sustainable development by creating and manufacturing products that can be recycled and reused in the future.
3- EV Charging
Decreasing the costs of making semiconductors can help reduce costs for EV charging stations. Convenient EV charging stations will encourage consumers to purchase an EV and could also decrease the use of fossil fuels. Once the price of a charger is low enough, then it is more likely that people who own a home will invest in installing one at their home. Once this occurs, purchasing an EV would be economically efficient for everyone, regardless of income level, which would benefit the environment. In addition, the technology has already been developed, but the cost of manufacturing semiconductors needs to decrease before the payback period is reasonable enough for consumers.
Semiconductor companies are developing new technology to combat the energy crisis. They are building a foundation to create energy-efficient semiconductor products to store energy and provide solar power. This will be beneficial for the environment and create more sustainable practices through new technologies that are in development by many semiconductor companies. By increasing clean energy and decreasing fossil fuel consumption with solar power and other renewable energy sources, we can improve the quality of life for many people worldwide.
