A secure supply of water

Veolia provides SK Hynix with ultrapure water of consistent quality – a critical component for manufacturing the company’s high-tech products.

PRODUCING ULTRAPURE WATER

Since March 2001, Veolia has been supplying South Korea’s top producer of semiconductors, SK Hynix, with a full range of process water as well as effluent management services at three sites in Incheon, Cheongju and Gumi respectively. The original 17 years contract was terminated in 2019 and was renewed for 9 years until 2027.

The manufacture of chips and semiconductors requires ultrapure water that must meet especially stringent quality standards. The water is used to clean the wafers, which are extremely vulnerable to contamination from impurities. Veolia operates and maintains 20 facilities that ensure a constant supply of high-quality, ultrapure water to each of the three sites.
 

REDUCED OPERATING COSTS

By conducting regular audits and analyses at all of the facilities it manages and by implementing the most innovative solutions and technologies to emerge over the past decade, Veolia has been able to guarantee a secure supply of ultrapure water to the three SK Hynix production sites while improving their effluent treatment capabilities. Some 40% of the wastewater produced is reused on-site, substantially reducing SK Hynix's operating costs. This effluent treatment and recycling system, which exceeds the standards set by the South Korean government, also plays a major role in preserving the environment.

For over 13 years, we have guaranteed a reliable supply of ultrapure water in terms of quality, quantity and continuity – and we are constantly working to improve the services we offer our partner.
Gustavo Migues
Former Director, Veolia South Korea

 

Key Figures

An 26-year partnership 

Operational security and continuity

40% of effluent reused on site

Customer benefits 

  • A steady supply of ultrapure water
  • Improved effluent management
  • Risk reduction
  • Environmental protection
  • Zero accident, continuous operation 

Solutions

  • Process water treatment and effluent recycling