NCKU Carbon Neutral Hub Unveiled: Partnering with Companies to Achieve ESG and Reach Net-Zero Emissions by 2050
Written by Amy Lin. Image credit to NCKU News Center.
Grand unveiling of the Carbon Neutral Next Generation Cultivation Hub
Taiwan's first “Carbon Neutral Next Generation Cultivation Hub” for universities had its grand unveiling on April 20th at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). Through education and innovative technologies, the Hub seeks to inspire the new generations to adopt more environmentally-friendly lifestyles and economic models. Moreover, it will collaborate with enterprises to fulfill social responsibilities in line with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, planting seeds of sustainability and hope for the future to create a promising tomorrow.
As climate change increasingly threatens the environment, human survival, and national security, Taiwan has set its sights on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To cultivate the necessary professionals and technologies for net-zero transformation and to drive Taiwan’s green transformation, the Ministry of Education has subsidized NCKU to establish the “Carbon Neutral Next Generation Cultivation Base," integrating resources from Tainan University, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Kun Shan University, and Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Science.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Education Mon-Chi Lio, former Executive Director of the International Energy Agency Nobuo Tanaka, incoming Minister of the Environmental Protection Administration Chi-Ming Peng, President of NCKU Meng-Ru Shen, Chair of the Industrial Technology Research Institute Chih-Kung Lee, Chair of Chinese Petroleum Corporation(CPC) Shun-Chin Lee, UN Sustainable Agriculture Academician Y. Martin Lo, and over 100 representatives from industry, government, academia and research.
Senior representatives from industry, government, academia, and research gather for a group photo at the unveiling of the Carbon Neutral Next Generation Hub.
Deputy Minister of Education Mon-Chi Lio highlighted that NCKU’s Carbon Neutral Next Generation Cultivation Hub focuses on energy management, energy efficiency, carbon reduction, carbon capture and other pertinent technologies crucial for industry transformation. Collaborating with Tainan University, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Kun Shan University, and Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Science, the Hub offers related courses taken by over 300 students and has cultivated 51 seed teachers. Deputy Minister Lio believed that the Hub will continue nurturing talent and teachers for net-zero transformation while working closely with industries to achieve green transformation.
Former Executive Director Nobuo Tanaka stressed that as climate change intensifies, ensuring energy security and managing risks under the net-zero emissions goal becomes paramount. He emphasized the needs for ideas, technologies and policies, and, more importantly, preparedness for the crisis to ensure sustainable human survival and development across generations.
Incoming Minister of the Environmental Protection Administration Chi-Ming Peng underscored the imperative of implementing climate technology amid climate change. However, he acknowledged the numerous challenges in commercializing scientific and technological achievements. In addition to policy support, private investment and participation are essential as well. “In my opinion, the market value of carbon neutrality has surpassed that of semiconductors. With the vast energy industry, I anticipate NCKU's Carbon Neutral Hub will offer young generations entrepreneurial opportunities and facilitate the integration of professors’ academic achievements with international climate-related industries.”
NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen expressed gratitude to all for attending the Carbon Neutral Hub unveiling. He emphasized that talent cultivation remains the cornerstone of higher education. NCKU’s resources stem from society and the government; therefore, NCKU aims not only to support its students but also to assist the development of partner universities and enterprises. The establishment of the Carbon Neutral Hub symbolizes preparedness for future environmental changes and energy challenges. The unveiling marks just the beginning; further efforts will be dedicated to addressing carbon neutrality issues in the future.
Chair of CPC Corporation, Shun-Chin Lee identified deregulation, policy support, technology, and talent as key factors for achieving net-zero transformation. He expects the Hub to nurture more talent and achieve breakthroughs in carbon neutral technologies, thus providing the next generation with a prosperous living environment and conditions.
Attendees tour the educational demonstration site, showcasing achievements in carbon neutrality.
The “Carbon Neutral Next Generation Cultivation Hub” launched its “Carbon Neutral Technology and Management Module” program in the 2022 academic year. It comprises seven professional courses: “Introduction to Renewable Energy,” “Synthesis and Application of Green Energy Hydrogen and Ammonia,” “Green Hydrogen and Ammonia-Synthesis and Applications,” “Introduction and Practice of Reducing Carbon Emission and Renewable Materials through Smart Manufacturing," “Carbon Dioxide Capture/ Purification Technology,” “Carbon Dioxide Utilization Technology,” “Carbon Verification, Carbon Management and Carbon Economy," and “Electrochemistry – Principles and Green Energy Applications.” Five practical areas have been established, including the “Carbon Capture and Utilization Storage (CCUS) Practical Site,” “Carbon Neutrality Practical Site,” “Green Energy Material Identification,” “Circular Economy Practical Site,” and “CCUS Reactor Simulation/Carbon Inventory Practical Site.” Through field verification, technology supply and talent cultivation, cooperation with major enterprises on carbon reduction and green energy planning will be expanded. Technological achievements and professional personnel will be transferred to the industry, driving the low-carbon green transformation of domestic industries and creating Taiwan's competitive advantages in sustainable circulation and green manufacturing.
Educational demonstration site showcasing research and educational achievements in carbon neutrality.
In the afternoon of the unveiling ceremony, the “Net-Zero Sustainable International Summit Forum” was also held, featuring keynote speeches from former Executive Director of the International Energy Agency Nobuo Tanaka, UN Sustainable Agriculture Academician Y. Martin Lo, Director-General of the Climate Change Administration, Ministry of Environment, Ling-Yi Tsai, and Executive Vice President of the Industrial Technology Research Institute Pei-Zen Chang. Representatives from leading enterprises and the government, including CPC Corporation, Taiwan Power Company, China Steel Corporation, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation, Formosa Petrochemical Corporation, Taiwan Fertilizer Corporation, Tung Ho Steel Enterprise Corporation, and Chi Mei Corporation, along with over 50 companies and corporate entities, also participated. In this critical era of intensifying climate change, they came together to explore future net-zero carbon strategies.
Provider:
NCKU News Center
Date:
2024-05-10