This laboratory has innovatively developed the concept of a distributed intelligent virtual power plant (iVPP) based on a power grid cloud, integrating multiple microgrids into a large-scale intelligent energy management system (iEMS). By aggregating the operational status of various distributed energy resources (DERs), it consolidates green energy from diverse technologies. To support Taipower's implementation of ancillary services, the traditional VPP power aggregation concept is combined with green carbon reduction elements to develop a net-zero smart virtual power plant and net-zero microgrid. This approach assists businesses in participating in Taipower's ancillary service transactions, promoting sustainable development that balances carbon reduction with energy dispatch. In summary, to establish the iVPP module, this laboratory will progressively develop the iVPP central dispatch platform (iVPPC) and the iVPPn functions across the North (N), Central (M), South (S), and East (E) regions to integrate regional net-zero microgrids. Leveraging carbon emission management and energy management information, artificial intelligence will be employed to construct renewable energy prediction, fault identification, and optimization modules to determine the optimal dispatch and compensation of power resources for distributed virtual power plants and regional microgrids. This architecture will enable distributed virtual power plants and net-zero microgrids to simultaneously achieve enterprises' economic benefits and ESG net-zero sustainability development goals.

This laboratory has innovatively developed a hybrid architecture and methodology that integrate carbon emission management with energy management, applicable to sustainable green smart manufacturing. It collects essential big data through IoT devices and combines it with AI-driven prediction and optimization services on a cloud platform. The system includes integrated services for advanced smart energy management and smart carbon emission management. Simultaneously, it incorporates carbon-negative technologies (CCU/BECCU) to enable energy-saving and carbon-reduction operations within both smart processes and smart plant systems. This approach advances smart manufacturing to green smart manufacturing, providing sustainable green energy and facilitating a gradual transition toward net-zero emissions. The integrated smart energy and carbon emission management services developed by this laboratory can be utilized alongside autonomous smart net-zero microgrids and smart virtual power plants for optimized control and scheduling of green energy and energy storage (including electric vehicles). This enables the planning of annual carbon reduction targets and supports enterprises in implementing ESG frameworks, thereby accelerating Taiwan’s progress toward achieving net-zero status.

Surrounded by the ocean on all sides, Taiwan is endowed with abundant marine resources. Among these, the cultivation of microalgae—a form of blue carbon—has recently garnered significant attention. Microalgae possess a carbon sequestration capacity six times greater than that of trees; cultivating one metric ton of algae can absorb up to two metric tons of carbon dioxide, making it one of the most efficient biological pathways for carbon fixation. Microalgae can thrive in high-CO₂ concentration environments, such as those found in flue gas and industrial process emissions from sectors including maritime shipping, petrochemicals, and semiconductors. Once harvested, microalgae can be converted into biofuels, yielding both economic and environmental benefits while supporting industrial carbon capture and carbon cycling, thus effectively reducing direct CO₂ emissions.
       Automated microalgae cultivation—referred to as a Carbon Negative Device—involves placing microalgal nutrient solutions into designated containers (e.g., tanks, bags, or ponds) and injecting carbon dioxide to facilitate carbon fixation and biomass growth. Our laboratory has developed an intelligent Energy-Saving and Carbon-Reduction Adjustment (ESCRA) system for carbon-negative biological devices. This system includes microalgae lifecycle identification, a smart carbon credit management platform, and an automated cultivation control mechanism. The cultivation process involves placing the nutrient solution into the selected vessel, followed by the injection of carbon dioxide. After a few days, the cultivation cycle is complete. The harvested algae can be dried for storage or processed into biotechnology products. Through this method, the biological characteristics of microalgae are harnessed to convert CO₂ into organic matter. The resulting biomass can also be refined into bio-oil, making microalgae a highly promising carbon reduction technology and a viable carbon sink solution toward achieving global net-zero targets by 2050.
        Globally, interest in large-scale deployment of microalgae cultivation is growing. For instance, the UK-based startup Brilliant Planet has proposed the construction of large-scale microalgae farms capable of capturing billions of tons of CO₂ annually. In Taiwan, several initiatives have already been undertaken. The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), for example, has implemented systems that use industrial CO₂ emissions for microalgae cultivation, yielding products such as biofuels and high-value biochemicals. National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has also collaborated with China Steel Corporation to establish a pilot microalgae cultivation facility within the steel plant, utilizing flue gas for CO₂ supply. The system, with a capacity of approximately 2 tons, has been in continuous operation for over two years. The research outcomes are currently being supported and executed under a National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) funded project.

Our laboratory has developed an integrated system architecture for carbon dioxide resource utilization, which encompasses two circular carbon economy models: (1) the development of green energy technologies aimed at achieving zero-carbon electricity, and (2) the advancement of sustainable green petrochemical feedstocks. Key contributions of the laboratory include collaborative participation in the application and execution of Value Creation (VCA) projects, supporting research and analysis in green energy and hydrogen production via bipolar membrane electrolysis, as well as the development and enhancement of Power-to-Gas (P2G) and Gas-to-Power (G2P) technological frameworks.
          Further achievements include the evaluation and identification of suitable demonstration sites for carbon neutrality applications, and the construction of a closed-loop, carbon-negative autonomous power generation system by integrating carbon capture with hydrogen energy—thereby forming a net-zero emission green electricity solution. The laboratory has also engaged in the system design of hybrid power generation systems for zero-emission vessels, integrating microturbine technologies, and has proposed the use of synthetic natural gas and partially hydrogenated ammonia as clean fuel alternatives for power generation. These developments aim to assist domestic industries in accelerating their carbon neutrality and net-zero transition pathways. The research outcomes have been formally incorporated into a Value Creation project currently under implementation with support from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).

The building and construction sector accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, highlighting its substantial potential for carbon reduction. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires comprehensive research spanning materials, energy efficiency, and carbon mitigation strategies. Our laboratory is engaged in the design of net-zero carbon buildings by collecting and analyzing a wide range of data to identify effective carbon-reduction design methodologies. These include minimizing the use of high-emission construction materials and incorporating carbon-negative materials.
      Specifically, the adoption of carbon-negative cement is explored to significantly reduce the embodied carbon of construction materials. In addition, our laboratory has introduced Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), a form of generative AI, to enhance data-driven intelligent management of green energy and building energy systems. This approach aims to reduce operational carbon emissions through optimized energy usage. Furthermore, carbon management strategies such as microalgae cultivation, biochar application, and afforestation are integrated to offset emissions produced during the construction and operational phases of buildings, thereby accelerating the realization of net-zero building objectives.
       Our laboratory has developed a comprehensive design framework for net-zero buildings, integrating both energy management and carbon reduction systems. This framework offers the construction industry an innovative approach to decarbonization and a holistic concept for designing and implementing net-zero systems.

Our laboratory has developed a system architecture for the hydrogen energy industry chain, along with an optimization framework for green hydrogen production within circular industrial park clusters. Hydrogen energy is widely recognized as an indispensable component in the global transition toward net-zero emissions. However, hydrogen-related technologies and the integration of supply chains in Taiwan are still in the early stages of development. Therefore, this research conducts an in-depth investigation into the hydrogen energy supply, transportation, and application segments by reviewing existing data and literature, and benchmarking international technological progress, regulatory frameworks, and standards.
          On the supply side, the laboratory has proposed a preliminary blueprint for a hydrogen circular economy cluster that integrates hydrogen production and end-use applications—centered on the Changhua Coastal Industrial Park. Regarding the transportation segment, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on international best practices and emerging technologies in hydrogen transport. On the application side, our laboratory has compiled and analyzed global standards and regulations relevant to hydrogen and fuel cell development, and conducted case studies on international hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (H-DRI) steelmaking projects.
     Furthermore, we assess the potential challenges and future research directions across each stage of Taiwan’s hydrogen energy supply chain. These insights provide a valuable reference for the future development and integration of upstream and downstream hydrogen-related technologies within Taiwan’s energy industry. Additionally, we have explored hybrid configurations involving natural gas and hydrogen fuel cells as low-carbon energy carriers to support domestic industries in accelerating their transition toward net-zero carbon emissions.

Our laboratory has proposed a novel design for a green energy voltage controller (Novel Voltage Controller, NVC), which integrates solar energy with a vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) energy storage system to stabilize voltage output for the production of three distinct types of clean fuels: hydrogen, methane, and methanol. The system utilizes solar energy for hydrogen production and captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) for conversion into methane and methanol.
        This approach aligns with the global focus on Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), which has become one of the most prominent topics in sustainable development. The present research leverages CCU technologies to develop an innovative green energy voltage control system, which can be further extended to support future advancements in hydrogen energy, carbon neutrality, and negative emission green energy technologies.

This laboratory has developed an automated cleaning system for solar panels. Utilizing both day/night sensors and a timer-based activation mechanism, the system is controlled by an Arduino to initiate the cleaning process. The cleaning components include a high-pressure water sprayer and scrapers. The scrapers, arranged in a staggered, parallel configuration, effectively remove dirt and are patented. The system offers both decontamination and cooling modes, which can be activated as needed to enhance power generation efficiency. Installed behind the solar panels, the system eliminates the need for manual operation and equipment relocation during cleaning, significantly reducing labor costs. It is both technically and commercially feasible, with hardware costs lower than those of cleaning robots. Compared to other cleaning systems in the industry, this system achieves break-even three years earlier for the same power plant scale and boasts a superior internal rate of return, demonstrating economic viability and meeting the cleaning needs of various solar power plants. This research has been transferred to manufacturers of solar panel cleaning machine hardware. This industry-academia collaboration focuses on developing intelligent, unmanned automated solar panel cleaning systems to improve power generation efficiency and lifespan, setting a new benchmark for the photovoltaic industry and net-zero innovation.

Our laboratory has developed a wave energy integrated system that addresses the intermittent nature of wave power generation through the application of Supercapacitor energy storage. By controlling the energy input and output of the Supercapacitor, the system releases stored energy when wave energy generation falls below grid standards, and stores excess energy when generation exceeds those standards. This enables a stable and regulated power output, enhancing the reliability of wave energy systems.
       Furthermore, by utilizing carbon-negative cement in place of conventional cement for structural components, the system achieves a significantly lower carbon footprint. Compared to traditional oscillating water column (OWC) converters, the integration of carbon-negative materials reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 23%. The total carbon absorption capacity of a single wave integrated system is equivalent to that of 15 Daan Forest Parks, underscoring its potential as both a renewable energy innovation and an effective carbon mitigation solution.

This laboratory conducts research on integrated wind and wave energy systems, a novel approach to offshore resource utilization. By combining wind and wave power generation technologies, it captures both wind and wave energy within the same area, thereby increasing power generation per unit area and enhancing energy output stability and efficiency. The laboratory proposes an integrated offshore wind and wave energy system tailored to the third phase of offshore wind power development in Taiwan. The research focuses on integrating wind power with a self-developed wave power generation system. This system leverages synergistic effects and incorporates energy storage devices such as flywheels and supercapacitors to achieve more stable power output while improving the operational lifespan, maintainability, and power generation capacity of offshore wind turbines. Furthermore, the research addresses the challenges and solutions encountered in the system design of hybrid wind and wave energy systems and introduces a perovskite PVDF thin-film nano-triboelectric generator to enhance wave energy integration. A green substrate is fabricated using negative carbon cement materials. The laboratory also evaluates the development potential of integrated wind and wave energy systems through benefit and performance analyses, including stable energy output, construction and maintenance costs, structural lifespan, environmental benefits, and the impact on sustainable net-zero goals.