The expansion of land acquisition plan for the third phase of Longtan Science Park in Hsinchu has triggered protests and opposition from local residents, and this project is where TSMC's 2nm and below wafer fab is planned to be located. Local people braved the rain to express their opposition over the land expropriation issue. According to an organization composed of local opponents, TSMC decided to abandon the plan to build a factory due to social controversy caused by the expansion project. The Zhuke Management Bureau stated that many semiconductor factories hope to develop around Longtan Park.
The latest response from the Hsinchu Science Park Administration on the evening of October 14 still emphasized that the expansion project is not developed for a single manufacturer and will continue to communicate with local governments to adjust the expansion scope on a rolling basis, taking into account industrial development and public rights.
TSMC did not respond directly to the content posted by local opponents. Regarding the controversy caused by Longke's expansion plan, TSMC previously stated that TSMC is a corporate tenant of the land in the science park. The planning of the park is the responsibility of the local administrative department. It respects residents and authorities and cannot comment further.
The Zhuke Management Bureau stated that the purpose of the expansion of Longtan Science Park is to lead the upgrading of industrial clusters in Taiwan, not to acquire land for a single manufacturer. It hopes to use the setting up of the science park to provide a high-quality industrial environment, allow manufacturers to invest with confidence, introduce advanced technology industries and scientific and technological talents, enhance regional innovation and integration energy, and stimulate research and innovation in industrial technology.
It is understood that the local administrative agency last year approved the expansion of land acquisition plan for the third phase of Longtan Science Park and expropriated 158.59 hectares of land, 88% of which was private land. This caused dissatisfaction among residents and led to protests. About 150 households will be affected. However, the residential area on the south side of Longke was previously eliminated, so there are currently about 80 households left to continue to fight.
The park is planned to be used for the research and development and mass production of 2nm (and below) technology. It is estimated to provide about 5,900 job opportunities and create an average annual output value of about NT$600 billion to NT$650 billion.
The Zhuke Management Bureau pointed out that the land in Hsinchu Park and Longtan Park is fully leased. Considering that Northern Taiwan has dense high-tech talents, mature industrial clusters, convenient transportation, and supporting measures such as water and electricity supply, there are still many semiconductor industries in the park that hope to continue to develop around Longtan Park.
In response to future land needs for industrial development and planning layout, the Zhuke Management Bureau is planning the expansion of Longtan Park, continuing to promote a sophisticated, diverse, quality life, energy-saving and sustainable science park, and acting as a leader to drive Taiwan's industrial upgrading and transformation.
However, in response to different local voices, the Zhuke Management Bureau will readjust the scope of expansion, taking into account industrial development and people's rights and interests, to achieve a win-win situation. It will re-evaluate the planned land demand, actively listen to and integrate public opinions, evaluate and adjust the scope of the expansion plan, and do its best to take into account people's rights and interests. The second public hearing originally scheduled to be held in October will also be postponed. It is hoped that the public can express their opinions through normal channels and communicate rationally to achieve a win-win situation for industrial development and people's rights and interests.