"You have to get the recirculation system up and functioning so they can cool that water in the normal way, " said Gary Was, a nuclear engineering professor at the University of Michigan and a CNN consultant.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Fab 15 will be TSMC's next "green fab" following Fab 12 and Fab 14, incorporating green concepts in energy conservation and pollution control in its design, including a process water conservation rate of 85%, reclamation of rainwater, recirculation and reuse of general exhaust heat, and development of solar power generation and LED lighting applications.

ENGADGET: TSMC begins construction of new $9.3b foundry, wants to sate our constant hunger for chips