Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment considers water reuse for semiconductor complex

South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said it is considering a system to supply 300,000 tonnes of recycled wastewater a day to a planned semiconductor industrial complex in the Honam region.

Minister Kim Seong-hwan was due to inspect wastewater-reuse options at Gwangju No. 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant, about 3 kilometers from the proposed complex. The plant treats roughly 600,000 tonnes of sewage a day and is undergoing upgrades to improve the quality of treated water discharged into the Yeongsan River.

The proposal calls for reuse facilities at the plant to produce industrial water. Details including supply volumes, timing and water-quality requirements will be specified through consultations with local governments and companies, based on the complex's construction schedule and water demand. The complex is expected to require 650,000 tonnes of water a day as semiconductor factories and suppliers locate there.

About 50 percent of the complex's projected water demand is expected to be for general process water. Recycled wastewater has been used as industrial water in Korea's steel, electronics and heavy-industry sectors. The ministry said semiconductor companies are also expanding reuse by treating water used in manufacturing and returning it to the production process. TSMC in Taiwan uses recycled wastewater in its production process through a government-built supply system; Taiwan, the United States and Singapore have also established systems to provide industrial water or expand water reuse in factories, it said.

Kim described the treated water as "an important water resource" for the Honam semiconductor complex as climate change makes water supply and demand more uncertain.

The ministry also plans to expand treated-wastewater reuse around industrial complexes and, under the Water Reuse Promotion and Support Act taking effect Dec. 10, step up state-led installation and operation of such facilities in areas vulnerable to water shortages.