Full Title: Semiconductor: Supply Chain Deep Dive Assessment
Author(s): Margaret Mann and Vicky Putsche
Publisher(s): US Department of Energy
Publication Date: February 24, 2022
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Conventional semiconductors are a keystone technology that are essential for the operation of nearly every electronic device, including those that are critical to decarbonization, such as electric vehicles (EVs), industrial and building applications, and electricity generation and end use. In addition, power electronics have been applied to industrial equipment to improve energy efficiency and enhance controllability. Power electronics have also been used to improve the reliability of data centers and critical infrastructure, including the stabilization of the electric grid while subjected to disturbances. Increasingly, power electronics are being used to integrate renewable energy and battery storage systems, enabling new grid services and the development of microgrids. It is estimated that 30% of the electricity used in the U.S. passes through power electronic devices, and studies suggest that this number could reach 80% as power electronics are deployed in more markets. Nearly all forms of electrified transportation will depend on power electronics. Power electronic systems utilize high-capacity semiconductor devices at their core. The continued growth in power electronics depends on sustained innovation in the semiconductor industry.
The U.S. Energy Sector Industrial Base will require radical transformations to decarbonize by 2050, and the growth, energy efficiency, and security of the semiconductor supply chain also must transform. The current semiconductor industry has a complex, competitive, and highly integrated international supply chain in which the United States has historically enjoyed a dominant position, but where this position has been eroding over time as described in the 100-Day report. This report conducted a risk assessment of the domestic semiconductor supply chain that is focused on energy-industrial-applications and identified several vulnerabilities.