Taiwan is advancing plans for a major new science park in Tainan that could eventually accommodate TSMC's future 1 nm semiconductor manufacturing facilities, alongside companies specializing in robotics, aerospace, and advanced technologies. During a November 5, 2026 parliamentary hearing, National Science and Technology Council Minister Cheng Wen Wu confirmed that feasibility assessments and resource planning for the Shalun Ecological Science Park have been completed, with the project entering its second environmental impact assessment stage. The government aims to complete the review by mid 2027 before beginning construction, potentially establishing one of Taiwan's most advanced semiconductor manufacturing hubs.
According to Taiwan's Central News Agency, Wu explained that the government is preparing sufficient land, electricity, and water resources to support future semiconductor manufacturing technologies beyond the existing 2 nm generation. The proposed development covers approximately 531.76 hectares and forms part of the Southern Taiwan Science Park expansion. Although the government has identified Tainan as a potential location for future 1 nm manufacturing, TSMC has not officially confirmed a factory investment, construction schedule, or final site selection. The latest statements provide additional clarity regarding the planned Tainan semiconductor expansion, which was initially discussed during the IEEE Asian Solid State Circuits Conference earlier this month.
The announcement aligns with TSMC's continued development of increasingly advanced manufacturing processes. According to the company's official technology roadmap, its A14 process, representing the 1.4 nm generation, is scheduled for volume production in 2028. The subsequent A13 process targets approximately 6% smaller chip area compared with A14, while A12 introduces Super Power Rail backside power delivery technology to improve efficiency in AI and high performance computing applications. Both technologies are scheduled for production in 2029. The proposed 1 nm generation would represent a further advancement, although TSMC has not announced an official commercial production timeline for that node.
| Manufacturing Technology | Production Roadmap | Development Status |
|---|---|---|
| N2, 2 nm | Q4 2025 | Volume production started |
| A14, 1.4 nm | 2028 | Development and capacity preparation |
| A13 | 2029 | Announced A14 derivative |
| A12 | 2029 | Announced with backside power delivery |
| Future 1 nm Generation | Not confirmed | Potential manufacturing site under preparation |
Beyond semiconductors, the Shalun development is intended to support a broader technology ecosystem involving intelligent robotics, space technology, precision manufacturing, biotechnology, and advanced medical applications. As reported by Taiwan's Economic Daily News, Wu emphasized that traditional manufacturers producing metal components, industrial materials, and precision hardware could eventually become suppliers for satellites, spacecraft, and other advanced equipment if they meet the necessary quality requirements. This does not mean the park is already manufacturing space components, but rather that the government intends to create opportunities for local industries to enter these higher value markets.
The project must still complete its environmental review, with water availability, electricity infrastructure, ecological protection, and long term industrial sustainability remaining important considerations. Its development could strengthen Taiwan's position in semiconductor manufacturing while expanding opportunities for smaller businesses to participate in advanced technology supply chains.
Taiwan's preparations for future 1 nm manufacturing highlight the increasing importance of semiconductor infrastructure as demand for AI accelerators, GPUs, and advanced processors continues growing. However, manufacturing smaller transistors requires more than advanced lithography equipment. Reliable electricity, water resources, specialized engineering talent, and sustainable production capacity are equally critical.
The broader industrial strategy is particularly interesting because it could allow smaller manufacturers to participate in the semiconductor, robotics, and aerospace supply chains rather than concentrating investment exclusively among major corporations.
For PC gamers and technology enthusiasts, future manufacturing improvements could eventually translate into more efficient processors and graphics cards. However, higher transistor density does not automatically guarantee better affordability or increased consumer hardware availability. The success of these investments should ultimately be measured by their ability to expand production capacity, improve efficiency, and make technological advancements accessible across the market.
Do you believe the transition toward 1 nm semiconductor manufacturing will bring meaningful improvements to consumer CPUs and GPUs, or will the increasing costs of advanced chip production make future hardware even more expensive?
