Commitment to carbon neutral university-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) remains steadfast in addressing global climate challenges by integrating its dual mission of education and pioneering research. In alignment with national net-zero policies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), NCKU has institutionalized its sustainability governance through the Office of Sustainability and Strategic Development (OSSD). NCKU reaffirms its《 Carbon Neutrality Commitment》with the following milestones:

 

　2031 (Centennial Anniversary):

　Achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions.

　2041:

　Accomplish comprehensive campus carbon neutrality.

　2050:
　Realize the ultimate goal of Net-Zero Emissions.


By synergizing interdisciplinary research with green campus operations, NCKU is transforming its carbon reduction vision into strategic actions, striving to be a global beacon of excellence in sustainable development.


Preliminary Achievements

 

  

Future Pathways Toward Carbon Reduction and Carbon Neutrality

 

NCKU's Specific Achievements in 2025

NCKU Resource Engineering Professor Hsieh has long focused on geothermal energy and carbon dioxide storage technology development, promoting Taiwan’s energy independence and low-carbon transition. The research team integrates petroleum engineering techniques with geothermal development, using directional and horizontal drilling along with reservoir evaluation to enhance geothermal power generation potential and expand diverse energy applications.
At the same time, the team promotes carbon capture and geological storage (CCS/CCUS) technologies, planning offshore carbon storage sites in the Taisi Basin to develop million-ton-scale carbon storage capacity. In addition to technological innovation, the team also emphasizes social communication and policy integration, improving public acceptance through science education and public–private collaboration to accelerate the commercialization and practical deployment of net-zero technologies.

NCKU is actively advancing net-zero technologies, demonstrating strong cross-disciplinary integration in carbon reduction innovation. From a smart unmanned surface vehicle platform for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions in freshwater bodies, to a microalgae-based sustainable aviation fuel system that integrates carbon fixation and bio-oil production; from non-precious metal AEMWE green hydrogen electrolysis technology driving industrial decarbonization, to hydrogen-enriched blast furnace carbon recycling technology reducing emissions in steelmaking processes, and further to integrated carbon capture and carbon material development technologies combining chemical absorption and microalgae-based sequestration, NCKU connects energy, biofuels, heavy industry, and advanced materials through innovative research. These efforts establish comprehensive decarbonization solutions that accelerate industrial transformation and the realization of net-zero goals.
 

NCKU is implementing a six-year “Satoyama Scepter Initiative” project aimed at promoting and developing carbon reduction technologies aligned with the United Nations’ Satoyama biodiversity concept, while also integrating rural revitalization and local creative development activities. The project aims to achieve a total carbon sink increase of 60 million tons of CO2 between 2024 and 2030. Through the development of agricultural bio-carbon reduction technologies and biodiversity-based carbon credit development, the initiative seeks to promote international carbon credit cooperation and support cross-national biodiversity-based carbon reduction programs and carbon sequestration assessment.

NCKU plays an important role in Taiwan’s net-zero transition through innovations in energy governance. The research team has proposed Taiwan’s first Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) guideline, combining scientific simulation and social participation mechanisms to shift energy policy from a supply-oriented approach to an integrated planning framework that also considers environment, land use, and climate risks. Through multi-scenario decarbonization pathway analysis, the research provides policy references for 2030 carbon reduction targets and helps build consensus for energy transition.
In terms of technology, the team promotes the transformation of the power system from a centralized to a distributed energy structure, proposing regional electricity pricing and energy self-sufficiency strategies to enhance grid resilience. The research also strengthens cross-department data integration and public participation to promote transparent energy governance, supporting Taiwan’s transition toward a fair and sustainable net-zero energy future.

This summit focused on Taiwan’s low-carbon industrial transition and sustainable competitiveness, exploring three major themes. The first theme analyzed opportunities for Taiwan’s industrial transformation under global green competition, focusing on low-carbon materials, circular utilization, and net-zero technologies. The second theme discussed the integration of low-carbon materials into semiconductor supply chains to enhance green competitiveness. The third theme examined urban mining and strategic metal recycling to reduce import dependence and improve resource resilience. Through cross-disciplinary exchange, the summit highlighted Taiwan’s industrial advantages in semiconductors, green chemistry, and strategic metals. The government will continue integrating policy and technological resources to promote low-carbon transformation and the development of a clean industrial sector.

1. International Collaboration and Academic Exchange: 2024 HIGEM International Conference (4th Edition)  

Facing the severe global challenges of climate change and carbon emissions, the College of Engineering at NCKU and SLB are planning to jointly promote Taiwan’s carbon reduction engineering initiatives. The collaboration will cover research and development in geological carbon storage, geothermal energy development, carbon reduction engineering, and talent cultivation. The project aims to explore Taiwan’s geological structures and establish safe, economical, and efficient CO₂ storage systems, promote energy diversification and sustainability in Taiwan, and strengthen industry–academia collaboration while cultivating a new generation of engineering and research talents.
 

This activity utilized the En-ROADS climate simulator developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to guide young participants in adjusting policies from a global decision-maker’s perspective, including energy supply, carbon pricing, energy efficiency, carbon removal, and agricultural emission reduction. Results from 27 youth participants showed strong support for clean energy, transport efficiency, and forest protection policies, and moderate support for carbon pricing. Simulation results indicated that global temperature rise by the end of the century could be reduced from an estimated 3.3°C to 2°C.
Professor Chih-Ta Wu from the Department of Geomatics and Geospatial Information at National Cheng Kung University applied Geo-AI and remote sensing technologies for carbon management. Using drones to estimate carbon sequestration in campus and urban green spaces, he also helped establish a carbon sink data platform to promote industry–government–academia collaboration and support the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.