More semiconductor, nuclear energy expansion in central Texas - The Center Square

Recent developments in central Texas highlight significant expansion in both semiconductor and nuclear energy sectors, driven by government funding. The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) has ... Read original →

Texas is engineering a strategic nexus between advanced semiconductors and nuclear energy, aiming to create a self-reinforcing 'power-manufacturing' loop. The push toward 2nm nodes demands ultra-pure chamber components, accelerating localization of EUV supply chains—but critical materials like high-grade silicon carbide remain tethered to Japanese suppliers, leaving latent vulnerabilities. SMR and molten salt reactor pilots at RELLIS target zero-carbon, grid-resilient power for fabs, yet face NRC licensing bottlenecks and local opposition. With TSMC’s Arizona fab already grappling with cost overruns and labor shortages, Texas must deploy its workforce pipeline within 18 months or risk stranded assets. Over the next 24 months, the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act could impose carbon-border tariffs on U.S.-made chips, forcing Texas to fast-track green electricity certification to maintain export competitiveness.