After a sharp decline from 2021 to 2023, direct emissions from chip production are rising again. Could artificial intelligence be driving the increase? This brief explores one likely factor: surging demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Vertically stacking more memory layers requires more frequent etching and cleaning, which results in higher fluorinated gas use. We unpack the technology behind HBM, the market forces shaping demand, and the varying emission trends among leading memory chip manufacturers.
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