Advanced Energy Research and Renewable Technology
In support of Taiwan’s 2050 Net-Zero target, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) actively engages in advanced energy research and sustainable technology applications. Supported by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), NCKU teams have made significant progress in hydrogen energy, marine energy, energy storage, smart grids, and carbon capture and utilization. A notable achievement is the “Wave Rider” oscillating wave energy converter, designed and tested by NCKU, demonstrating Taiwan’s technological leadership in renewable marine energy. This project provides a strong foundation for offshore energy development and exemplifies NCKU’s collaboration with government and industry to drive innovation toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.
Smart Recycling and Circular Campus Initiatives
NCKU promotes campus sustainability and circular economy through collaboration with ECOCO, introducing smart recycling machines to improve recycling efficiency and environmental awareness. By separating bottle caps and labels, PET recycling rates have surpassed 95%. Five machines installed across high-traffic campus areas—such as student centers, dormitories, and academic buildings—collected approximately 20,000 containers during a 90-day pilot, reducing over 1,000 kg of carbon emissions (equivalent to the annual absorption of 45 trees). This initiative demonstrates NCKU’s concrete progress in intelligent waste management and low-carbon campus development.
Urban Carbon Sequestration with Geo-AI
In partnership with Chiayi City Government, NCKU pioneered Taiwan’s first urban carbon sequestration survey using Geo-AI and drone imaging. Led by Prof. Chih-Ta Wu from the Department of Geomatics, the interdisciplinary team combined AI algorithms, multispectral imagery, and BIM models to evaluate carbon storage in urban green spaces and timber architecture. The study estimated 440.4 tons of annual carbon storage from five urban green sites and 19.85 tons CO₂-equivalent from two experimental timber buildings. This innovative approach enhances precision in carbon assessment and won the 2024 Taiwan Sustainability Action Award (Gold Level), offering a model for nationwide data-driven net-zero strategies.
Human Rights Education and Social Justice
NCKU continues to advance human rights education and social justice in collaboration with the National Human Rights Museum and Tainan City. In 2024, the university co-organized the Tainan International Human Rights Art Festival, themed “The Powerless / Right Said Right,” commemorating the centennial of the 1924 “All-Island Conference of the Powerless.” Through exhibitions, forums, film screenings, international symposia, and experiential courses, the festival amplified marginalized voices, promoted transitional, judicial, and cultural justice, and highlighted NCKU’s role as a bridge between academia and society in fostering equity and inclusivity.
- Integrating Southern Taiwan’s Research Strengths: Developing the First Domestic Shore-Based Oscillating Arm Wave Power Generator
NCKU is deeply committed to renewable energy research, focusing on hydrogen, marine, and energy storage technologies, as well as smart grids and carbon capture applications. Supported by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), NCKU developed the “Wave Rider” oscillating wave energy converter, showcasing Taiwan’s innovation in renewable energy and advancing the nation’s net-zero and sustainable development goals.- NCKU Partners with TTFB Group to Install ECOCO Smart Recycling Machines on Campus, Promoting Green Sustainability
NCKU collaborates with ECOCO to implement smart recycling systems, raising PET recycling rates above 95%. Five machines across campuses collected around 20,000 bottles in 90 days, cutting over 1,000 kg of carbon emissions and showcasing smart, sustainable campus progress.- Chiayi City and NCKU Collaborate with AI Technology to Advance a Net-Zero Transformation for the “Timber City”
NCKU and Chiayi City Government conducted Taiwan’s first Geo-AI urban carbon sink survey using AI and drone imaging. The study modeled carbon storage in greenery and wooden buildings, estimating 440.4 tons annually, earning the 2024 Taiwan Sustainable Action Award (Gold) and advancing net-zero governance.
- 2024 Tainan International Human Rights Art Festival Highlights Care for Marginalized Communities
NCKU, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Museum and Tainan City Government, organized the “Tainan International Human Rights Art Festival” under the theme “The Powerless / Right Said Right.” Through forums, film screenings, exhibitions, and courses, it advances transitional justice, human rights education, and civic awareness.