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The 2050 Net Zero City Expo kicks off today (March 19^th) and will run for four days at the Nangang Exhibition Center. Academia Sinica will present its research on five net-zero technologies at the Net Zero Advanced Technology Pavilion using models, videos, and virtual reality to make zero-carbon technology visible and tangible, providing the public with a rich exhibition experience. Academia Sinica President James C. Liao stated that new technology will play a crucial role in net-zero strategies. If humanity maintains the current level of technology, attaining the 2050 net-zero vision will not be feasible. Therefore, Academia Sinica, in collaboration with other academic and research teams, is prioritizing the development of new technologies in five areas: Methane Pyrolysis to Power (MPTP), High-Efficiency Solar Cells, Marine Energy, Geothermal Energy, and Biomass Carbon Sinks, to achieve the net-zero target.

Academia Sinica President James C. Liao’s keynote speech presents Taiwan's technological solutions to achieve net-zero

On the first day, President Liao delivered a keynote speech entitled "Taiwan's Technological Solution for Net Zero" at the Net Zero City International Summit. President Liao explained that over 40% of our country's greenhouse gas emissions come from power generation. As the demand for electricity in modern nations remains high and electrification is an international trend, accelerating the development of zero-carbon electricity should be a top priority among net-zero strategies. Therefore, Academia Sinica is actively promoting advanced research and development and encouraging collaboration between industry, academia, and researchers.

Academia Sinica to present five net-zero technologies at the Net Zero Advanced Technology Pavilion

The 2050 net-zero goal is a shared vision of humanity. Academia Sinica has proposed five major technologies: Methane Pyrolysis to Power (MPTP), High-Efficiency Solar Cells, Marine Energy, Geothermal Energy, and Biomass Carbon Sinks, as scientific solutions to achieve net-zero. 

• The MPTP technology involves cracking natural gas into solid carbon and hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is then utilized to generate electricity, providing a quasi-green electricity source. 
• The High-Efficiency Solar Cells project is developing perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells to increase the efficiency of electricity generation per unit area.
• The Marine Energy project employs precise observation and data simulation to identify suitable areas to install floating underwater turbines designed and manufactured by Academia Sinica. 
• The Geothermal Energy project is applying electromagnetic surveys and seismic waves to select regions suitable for developing deep geothermal energy. 
• The Biomass Carbon Sinks project is using Napier grass and seaweed to sequester carbon.

At the Net Zero Advanced Technology Pavilion visitors can see models of these technologies, videos, and virtual reality exhibits. These are designed to help the public understand the principles and applications of the new technologies. The exhibition also features physical exhibits of solid carbon obtained through the MPTP technology, as well as biomass crops such as Napier grass and seaweed used in biomass carbon sinks. 

Promoting the development of emerging technologies requires not only scientific input but also efforts within society, including policy support, communication, and legal and governance mechanisms. In 2022, Academia Sinica released its paper “Strategic Recommendations for Science and Technology Actions towards Net Zero Emission in Taiwan,” which discusses emerging net-zero technology research and development options. Based on considerations such as carbon reduction benefits, research and development speed, deployment scale, as well as the diversity, locality, and decentralization of energy, Academia Sinica proposed the five technologies for research and development, hoping to bring new opportunities through technology, drive the transformation of our energy and industrial sectors, and alleviate social adaptation pressures.

The 2050 Net Zero City Expo will be held from March 19^th through the 22^nd at the Nangang Exhibition Center in Taipei.