Semiconductors in Energy: Powering the Future for Global Net Zero
Semiconductors now enable intelligent, real-time control systems and bidirectional flows of power and data. Further, AI is pushing the boundaries of what semiconductor technologies can achieve. Together, AI and semiconductors are creating the foundation for smarter, more sustainable technologies across the grid.
July 24, 2025. By News Bureau
In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, semiconductors have transformed from silent enablers into the central drivers of global sustainability. From renewable generation to grid intelligence to end-user consumption, their integration across the energy value chain is redefining the world’s path to net-zero emissions.
Semiconductors now enable intelligent, real-time control systems and bidirectional flows of power and data. This dynamic shift is being accelerated by artificial intelligence, which is pushing the boundaries of what semiconductor technologies can achieve – driving miniaturisation, speed, and energy efficiency to new heights. Together, AI and semiconductors are creating the foundation for smarter, more sustainable technologies across the grid.
Reflecting this momentum, the global power semiconductor market – valued at USD 56.87 billion in 2025 – is projected to grow to USD 72.34 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.93 percent during the forecast period.
Accelerating India’s Energy Future with Semiconductors
India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 – and meeting its goal of sourcing 50 percent of electricity from renewables by 2030 – hinges on strategic deployment of advanced technologies. At the heart of this national transformation are semiconductors, especially wide-bandgap materials like Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), which offer superior efficiency, compactness, and thermal resilience for next-generation energy systems.
In India’s large-scale solar projects – particularly in high-temperature regions like Rajasthan – SiC-based inverters are proving indispensable. Their ability to operate reliably under extreme conditions increases system longevity and boosts overall energy yield.
In the electric mobility space, GaN semiconductors are enabling faster charging, lighter vehicle designs, and lower system costs – critical for India’s vast two-wheeler market. The result is greater accessibility, improved user experience, and faster EV adoption.
On the utility side, India’s grid modernisation is being supported by SiC-based STATCOMs and HVDC links, which provide better stability and efficiency while optimising land use and reducing cooling demands.
Ultimately, wide-bandgap semiconductors are more than performance upgrades; they are strategic assets for scalable, localised decarbonisation. Their adoption is accelerating India’s transition toward a climate-resilient, digitally intelligent energy future.
The Sustainability Challenge in Semiconductor Manufacturing
While semiconductors are central to sustainability, their manufacturing remains resource-intensive. Fabrication facilities (fabs) consume vast amounts of electricity – often fossil-fuel-derived – contributing significantly to carbon emissions. Water usage is also a major concern, particularly the demand for ultrapure water (UPW) in wafer cleaning, straining supply in water-scarce regions.
Additionally, the process involves numerous hazardous chemicals, posing risks to air and water quality if not properly managed.
In response, the industry is embracing more sustainable manufacturing methods:
Semiconductors now enable intelligent, real-time control systems and bidirectional flows of power and data. This dynamic shift is being accelerated by artificial intelligence, which is pushing the boundaries of what semiconductor technologies can achieve – driving miniaturisation, speed, and energy efficiency to new heights. Together, AI and semiconductors are creating the foundation for smarter, more sustainable technologies across the grid.
Reflecting this momentum, the global power semiconductor market – valued at USD 56.87 billion in 2025 – is projected to grow to USD 72.34 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.93 percent during the forecast period.
Accelerating India’s Energy Future with Semiconductors
India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 – and meeting its goal of sourcing 50 percent of electricity from renewables by 2030 – hinges on strategic deployment of advanced technologies. At the heart of this national transformation are semiconductors, especially wide-bandgap materials like Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), which offer superior efficiency, compactness, and thermal resilience for next-generation energy systems.
In India’s large-scale solar projects – particularly in high-temperature regions like Rajasthan – SiC-based inverters are proving indispensable. Their ability to operate reliably under extreme conditions increases system longevity and boosts overall energy yield.
In the electric mobility space, GaN semiconductors are enabling faster charging, lighter vehicle designs, and lower system costs – critical for India’s vast two-wheeler market. The result is greater accessibility, improved user experience, and faster EV adoption.
On the utility side, India’s grid modernisation is being supported by SiC-based STATCOMs and HVDC links, which provide better stability and efficiency while optimising land use and reducing cooling demands.
Ultimately, wide-bandgap semiconductors are more than performance upgrades; they are strategic assets for scalable, localised decarbonisation. Their adoption is accelerating India’s transition toward a climate-resilient, digitally intelligent energy future.
The Sustainability Challenge in Semiconductor Manufacturing
While semiconductors are central to sustainability, their manufacturing remains resource-intensive. Fabrication facilities (fabs) consume vast amounts of electricity – often fossil-fuel-derived – contributing significantly to carbon emissions. Water usage is also a major concern, particularly the demand for ultrapure water (UPW) in wafer cleaning, straining supply in water-scarce regions.
Additionally, the process involves numerous hazardous chemicals, posing risks to air and water quality if not properly managed.
In response, the industry is embracing more sustainable manufacturing methods:
- Recycled water systems, low-emission cleanroom technologies, and green hydrogen are being introduced to reduce energy and water usage.
- Advanced fabrication techniques such as EUV lithography, dry etching, and plasma processing are replacing chemical-heavy steps, lowering environmental impact.
- Circular practices like wafer reclamation, chemical recycling, and equipment refurbishment are gaining traction as standard procedures.
Most notably, AI-driven fab optimisation is now helping reduce energy consumption and material waste in real-time – ushering in a smarter, more efficient production model.
Semiconductors Driving Net-Zero Innovation
Across every layer of the energy ecosystem, semiconductors are enabling next-generation capabilities:
Semiconductors Driving Net-Zero Innovation
Across every layer of the energy ecosystem, semiconductors are enabling next-generation capabilities:
- At generation, high-performance switching devices are optimising the efficiency and reliability of solar, wind, and other renewables.
- In transmission, solid-state transformers and other advanced devices are reducing losses and improving load handling.
- At the grid edge, semiconductor-enabled edge computing is delivering real-time visibility, bidirectional control, and orchestration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and virtual power plants (VPPs).
- At consumption points, semiconductors power everything from fast-charging EVs to smart appliances – turning them into programmable energy assets.
This convergence represents the digitalisation of energy, where electrons meet decisions at the speed of light. Semiconductors form the critical bridge between renewable generation and intelligent systems – transforming the power grid into a participatory, adaptive architecture.
A Foundation for a Smarter, Cleaner, More Equitable Future
Semiconductors are no longer just components; they are catalysts. They are enabling real-time, decentralised, and decarbonised energy flows across a globally interconnected grid. What defines this era is the synergy of software-defined energy systems, embedded intelligence in power electronics, AI at the core and the edge, and clean power flowing in two directions – both electrons and data.
This is more than a technological shift; it is a societal transformation. Semiconductors are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, smarter, and more equitable energy future.
In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, semiconductors have transformed from silent enablers into the central drivers of global sustainability. From renewable generation to grid intelligence to end-user consumption, their integration across the energy value chain is redefining the world’s path to net-zero emissions.
Semiconductors now enable intelligent, real-time control systems and bidirectional flows of power and data. This dynamic shift is being accelerated by artificial intelligence, which is pushing the boundaries of what semiconductor technologies can achieve – driving miniaturisation, speed, and energy efficiency to new heights. Together, AI and semiconductors are creating the foundation for smarter, more sustainable technologies across the grid.
Reflecting this momentum, the global power semiconductor market – valued at USD 56.87 billion in 2025 – is projected to grow to USD 72.34 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.93 percent during the forecast period.
Accelerating India’s Energy Future with Semiconductors
India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 – and meeting its goal of sourcing 50 percent of electricity from renewables by 2030 – hinges on strategic deployment of advanced technologies. At the heart of this national transformation are semiconductors, especially wide-bandgap materials like Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), which offer superior efficiency, compactness, and thermal resilience for next-generation energy systems.
In India’s large-scale solar projects – particularly in high-temperature regions like Rajasthan – SiC-based inverters are proving indispensable. Their ability to operate reliably under extreme conditions increases system longevity and boosts overall energy yield.
In the electric mobility space, GaN semiconductors are enabling faster charging, lighter vehicle designs, and lower system costs – critical for India’s vast two-wheeler market. The result is greater accessibility, improved user experience, and faster EV adoption.
On the utility side, India’s grid modernisation is being supported by SiC-based STATCOMs and HVDC links, which provide better stability and efficiency while optimising land use and reducing cooling demands.
Ultimately, wide-bandgap semiconductors are more than performance upgrades; they are strategic assets for scalable, localised decarbonisation. Their adoption is accelerating India’s transition toward a climate-resilient, digitally intelligent energy future.
The Sustainability Challenge in Semiconductor Manufacturing
While semiconductors are central to sustainability, their manufacturing remains resource-intensive. Fabrication facilities (fabs) consume vast amounts of electricity – often fossil-fuel-derived – contributing significantly to carbon emissions. Water usage is also a major concern, particularly the demand for ultrapure water (UPW) in wafer cleaning, straining supply in water-scarce regions.
Additionally, the process involves numerous hazardous chemicals, posing risks to air and water quality if not properly managed.
In response, the industry is embracing more sustainable manufacturing methods:
A Foundation for a Smarter, Cleaner, More Equitable Future
Semiconductors are no longer just components; they are catalysts. They are enabling real-time, decentralised, and decarbonised energy flows across a globally interconnected grid. What defines this era is the synergy of software-defined energy systems, embedded intelligence in power electronics, AI at the core and the edge, and clean power flowing in two directions – both electrons and data.
This is more than a technological shift; it is a societal transformation. Semiconductors are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, smarter, and more equitable energy future.
In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, semiconductors have transformed from silent enablers into the central drivers of global sustainability. From renewable generation to grid intelligence to end-user consumption, their integration across the energy value chain is redefining the world’s path to net-zero emissions.
Semiconductors now enable intelligent, real-time control systems and bidirectional flows of power and data. This dynamic shift is being accelerated by artificial intelligence, which is pushing the boundaries of what semiconductor technologies can achieve – driving miniaturisation, speed, and energy efficiency to new heights. Together, AI and semiconductors are creating the foundation for smarter, more sustainable technologies across the grid.
Reflecting this momentum, the global power semiconductor market – valued at USD 56.87 billion in 2025 – is projected to grow to USD 72.34 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.93 percent during the forecast period.
Accelerating India’s Energy Future with Semiconductors
India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 – and meeting its goal of sourcing 50 percent of electricity from renewables by 2030 – hinges on strategic deployment of advanced technologies. At the heart of this national transformation are semiconductors, especially wide-bandgap materials like Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), which offer superior efficiency, compactness, and thermal resilience for next-generation energy systems.
In India’s large-scale solar projects – particularly in high-temperature regions like Rajasthan – SiC-based inverters are proving indispensable. Their ability to operate reliably under extreme conditions increases system longevity and boosts overall energy yield.
In the electric mobility space, GaN semiconductors are enabling faster charging, lighter vehicle designs, and lower system costs – critical for India’s vast two-wheeler market. The result is greater accessibility, improved user experience, and faster EV adoption.
On the utility side, India’s grid modernisation is being supported by SiC-based STATCOMs and HVDC links, which provide better stability and efficiency while optimising land use and reducing cooling demands.
Ultimately, wide-bandgap semiconductors are more than performance upgrades; they are strategic assets for scalable, localised decarbonisation. Their adoption is accelerating India’s transition toward a climate-resilient, digitally intelligent energy future.
The Sustainability Challenge in Semiconductor Manufacturing
While semiconductors are central to sustainability, their manufacturing remains resource-intensive. Fabrication facilities (fabs) consume vast amounts of electricity – often fossil-fuel-derived – contributing significantly to carbon emissions. Water usage is also a major concern, particularly the demand for ultrapure water (UPW) in wafer cleaning, straining supply in water-scarce regions.
Additionally, the process involves numerous hazardous chemicals, posing risks to air and water quality if not properly managed.
In response, the industry is embracing more sustainable manufacturing methods:
- Recycled water systems, low-emission cleanroom technologies, and green hydrogen are being introduced to reduce energy and water usage.
- Advanced fabrication techniques such as EUV lithography, dry etching, and plasma processing are replacing chemical-heavy steps, lowering environmental impact.
- Circular practices like wafer reclamation, chemical recycling, and equipment refurbishment are gaining traction as standard procedures.
Most notably, AI-driven fab optimisation is now helping reduce energy consumption and material waste in real-time – ushering in a smarter, more efficient production model.
Semiconductors Driving Net-Zero Innovation
Across every layer of the energy ecosystem, semiconductors are enabling next-generation capabilities:
Semiconductors Driving Net-Zero Innovation
Across every layer of the energy ecosystem, semiconductors are enabling next-generation capabilities:
- At generation, high-performance switching devices are optimising the efficiency and reliability of solar, wind, and other renewables.
- In transmission, solid-state transformers and other advanced devices are reducing losses and improving load handling.
- At the grid edge, semiconductor-enabled edge computing is delivering real-time visibility, bidirectional control, and orchestration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and virtual power plants (VPPs).
- At consumption points, semiconductors power everything from fast-charging EVs to smart appliances – turning them into programmable energy assets.
This convergence represents the digitalisation of energy, where electrons meet decisions at the speed of light. Semiconductors form the critical bridge between renewable generation and intelligent systems – transforming the power grid into a participatory, adaptive architecture.
A Foundation for a Smarter, Cleaner, More Equitable Future
Semiconductors are no longer just components; they are catalysts. They are enabling real-time, decentralised, and decarbonised energy flows across a globally interconnected grid. What defines this era is the synergy of software-defined energy systems, embedded intelligence in power electronics, AI at the core and the edge, and clean power flowing in two directions – both electrons and data.
This is more than a technological shift; it is a societal transformation. Semiconductors are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, smarter, and more equitable energy future.
A Foundation for a Smarter, Cleaner, More Equitable Future
Semiconductors are no longer just components; they are catalysts. They are enabling real-time, decentralised, and decarbonised energy flows across a globally interconnected grid. What defines this era is the synergy of software-defined energy systems, embedded intelligence in power electronics, AI at the core and the edge, and clean power flowing in two directions – both electrons and data.
This is more than a technological shift; it is a societal transformation. Semiconductors are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, smarter, and more equitable energy future.
- Andres Carvallo, Global Head – Energy, L&T Semiconductor Technologies
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