US and European Data Center Opposition Grows as TSMC Eyes Memory Market

At a glance

After the US midterm elections, uncertainty over data center construction has grown, and protests against them continue in Europe. Reports that Taiwan's TSMC is considering DRAM memory production have raised the possibility of changes in the AI memory market led by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.

Key points

1. 1

   Some US states have promised to stop approving data centers, and residents complain that electricity and water use is raising utility bills.

2. 2

   Several European countries, including the Netherlands, have seen protests against data centers, and regulations are being tightened.

3. 3

   Reports show TSMC is considering next-generation memory such as 3D DRAM, but the industry expects commercialization after 2030.

4. 4

   Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are signing long-term supply contracts with customers to prepare for uncertainty.

Why it matters

Korean chipmakers, which produce much of the AI memory, could see shifts in demand and competition, making this important.

Also reported by

• 지디넷코리아"TSMC, 메모리 진출 검토…엔비디아 요청" 디인포메이션
• 콕스뉴스엔비디아 요청에 TSMC가 D램 생산 검토…삼성·SK하이닉스 '협력사'가 '경쟁자'로
• 디지털투데이TSMC, 메모리 반도체 넘본다…"엔비디아 요청에 3D D램 생산 검토"
• 뉴시스[올댓차이나] TSMC, 차세대 메모리 3D D램 생산 추진
• 이코노미트리뷴[반도체포커스] TSMC "파운드리 본업 집중" 답변으로 3D D램 진출설 일축…3D 메모리 연구는 지속
• AI타임스TSMC, '3D D램' 개발설 사실상 부인…상용화도 먼 길
• 스페셜경제TSMC, 엔비디아 손잡고 3D D램 시장 진출 검토
• 경향신문TSMC, 메모리 시장 진출설에 “파운드리에 집중할 것”