Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has recently announced the addition of Google, ASM, and HP as new global sponsors of the Catalyze program. This program seeks to accelerate access to renewable energies in the global semiconductor value chain and IT supply landscape. The news coincided with COP28 held in Dubai.
Expanding the Reach of the Catalyze Program
With the arrival of Google, ASM, and HP, Catalyze expands its scope to address one of the most significant challenges in the sector: the transition to energy sustainability. This program, which already had the sponsorship of Intel and Applied Materials, encourages industry semiconductor providers to collaborate in decarbonizing their value chains, leveraging collective purchasing power to acquire renewable energies.
The Environmental Impact of the Semiconductor Industry
A study from the SEMI Semiconductor Climate Consortium revealed that the carbon footprint of the semiconductor sector was 500 million tons of CO2 in 2021, with 16% coming from the supply chain. Transitioning to less polluting energy sources and other decarbonization actions, such as electrification, can have a significant impact on reducing total Scope 3 emissions.
Technology Leaders’ Comments on Catalyze
Jean-Pascal Tricoire, President of Schneider Electric, expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of the new sponsors, highlighting the importance of the Catalyze program in managing and reducing Scope 3 emissions.
Michael Terrell, Senior Director of Energy and Climate at Google, emphasized the need for sectoral collaboration for the transition to carbon-neutral semiconductor manufacturing.
Ernest Nicolas, Chief Supply Chain Officer at HP, reiterated his company’s commitment to reducing emissions in its value chain, while John Golightly, VP of Sustainability at ASM, emphasized the importance of collaboration to maximize the impact and scale of decarbonization initiatives.
Objectives of the Catalyze Program
The Catalyze program focuses on:
- Combining the purchasing power of energy to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects.
- Facilitating supplier participation in power purchase agreements (PPAs).
- Enabling suppliers of Catalyze sponsors to join the program.
- Increasing awareness of the availability of renewable energies in key regions.
- Driving quantifiable decarbonization actions through educational commitments and digital technological platforms.
In conclusion, the expansion of the Catalyze program represents a significant step towards the decarbonization of the semiconductor and IT supply sector. With the support of major technology companies, this program positions itself as a key catalyst in the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible industry.