SK Hynix establishes AI environment research center... Preemptive response to semiconductor environmental issues

SK Hynix is ​​establishing an ‘AI Environmental Research Institute’ to proactively respond to environmental issues in the artificial intelligence (AI) era.

According to the industry on the 8th, SK Hynix is ​​promoting the establishment of an AI environmental research center to solve complex environmental challenges that arise during the semiconductor manufacturing process with AI technology so that the AI ​​industry can achieve sustainable growth together with the local community.

The newly established AI Environmental Research Institute will focus on researching technologies to reduce the environmental load of the overall process and energy supply needed to operate not only semiconductor factories but also data centers.

AI algorithms are used to predict power demand and maximize data center cooling efficiency, while developing alternative gases to reduce greenhouse gases and advancing process water purification and recycling technologies.

In addition, we plan to set a precedent of deriving effective alternatives by actively introducing AI to complex environmental and geographical challenges that are difficult to solve with existing solutions.

We are also pursuing the development of eco-friendly semiconductor materials that decompose naturally and electronic waste resource recycling technology.

In addition, SK Hynix has established a 'Decarbonization Conversion Center' within the AI ​​Environmental Research Institute to provide all-round support for the low-carbon transition of domestic semiconductor equipment, parts, and material partners.

Through a dedicated organization within the research institute, we plan to provide customized consulting and support for greenhouse gas reduction, energy conservation, and low-carbon process introduction of about 1,700 partner companies.

Through this, we will strengthen the competitiveness of the entire domestic semiconductor supply chain to jointly respond to the strict carbon reduction standards and overseas environmental regulations required by global IT companies.

In particular, the AI ​​Environmental Research Institute is not limited to companies and government-led organizations, and selects key research tasks by constantly collecting opinions from various stakeholders such as academia, civic groups, and local communities.

We plan to jointly pursue local environmental improvement projects based on transparent communication based on scientific data and establish a win-win model based on trust with stakeholders.

SK Hynix announced this plan at the government's 'Public-Private Joint K-GX (Korean Green Transformation) Strategy Declaration Ceremony' held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul the previous day.

Taewon Choi, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who attended the event as the head of the public-private joint K-GX private consultative body, said, "A virtuous cycle structure must be created in which AI technology speeds up the green transition, and green transition in turn supports the sustainable growth of the AI ​​industry." He added, "SK Hynix will also establish an AI Environmental Research Institute in line with this vision and take the lead in the eco-friendly transition of the semiconductor ecosystem."

Kim Hyeong-hwan, in charge of safety, health and environment at SK Hynix, said, "Through the AI ​​Environment Research Institute, we will wisely solve the complex environmental challenges facing the semiconductor industry. In particular, we will increase the carbon competitiveness of the entire semiconductor ecosystem, focusing on the internal decarbonization center, and open a path of coexistence toward a sustainable future with the government, academia, and civil society."