Nobel Physics Laureate Steven Chu Delivers Lecture at NTHU
2024.12.18
Nobel Physics Laureate Academician Steven Chu (朱棣文)(right) in conversation with NTHU President W. John Kao.
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan hosted Nobel Physics Laureate Steven Chu (朱棣文), former U.S. Secretary of Energy, for a keynote lecture on "The Challenges in Getting to Net-Zero GHG Emissions" as well as a dialogue with NTHU President W. John Kao (高為元). Using the analogy of the Titanic approaching an iceberg, he emphasized that while transitioning from coal and gas to net-zero carbon emissions requires time, we no longer have time to waste and must collectively work together to change course as quickly as possible.
Born in the United States, Academician Chu's visit to NTHU holds special significance as both his parents are alumni of the university.
At the invitation of NTHU's Taipei School of Economics and Political Science (TSE), Academician Chu delivered his lecture this afternoon at the NTHU Sun Yun-Suan Hall, TSMC Building, where he also took questions from an audience of approximately 300 faculty members, students, scholars, and members of the public. Distinguished Chair Professor Ping Wang (王平) of Academia Sinica, who serves as the Chief Academic Advisor to TSE, played a key role in arranging Chu's visit to Taiwan.
At NTHU, Academician Chu shared his team's latest research on carbon capture, sequestration, and battery technologies. Drawing on comparative safety data, the long-time nuclear advocate demonstrated that nuclear power results in far fewer fatalities than coal-based energy, and has a better safety record than both wind and hydroelectric power.
Addressing nuclear energy policy, Academician Chu contrasted the environmental and economic challenges of fossil fuels with the advantages of nuclear power. "I believe the answer is already there!" he declared, emphasizing nuclear energy's potential to drive economic growth while maintaining competitiveness.
California had originally planned to close its last nuclear power plant next year. Academician Chu said he had expressed his disagreement with Governor Newsom. He believes that the focus should be on enhancing nuclear power plant safety rather than on shutting them down. The latest news is that California's last nuclear power plant will extend its operation for at least another five years.
Regarding nuclear energy issues, Academician Chu advocates for transparent, open policies and public dialogue. He noted that even at Stanford University where he teaches, debates between pro- and anti-nuclear groups are common. He smiled and said that when engaging in public dialogue, "Don't just ask whether you support or oppose something, but discuss what options you have." As a scholar, he emphasized that good policies absolutely require the support of expert research.
President Kao informed Academician Chu that NTHU has Taiwan's only Department of Nuclear Engineering and research nuclear reactor, further adding that the reactor has recently been converted for use in nuclear medicine. President Kao stated that energy issues not only require research breakthroughs but also noted that they encompass geopolitics and carbon trading. He promised that NTHU will fulfill its responsibilities and advance towards the goal of net-zero carbon emissions.
Dean Chao-Hsi Huang (黃朝熙) of TSE pointed out that Academician Chu is not only an outstanding scholar but also a former U.S. Secretary of Energy. His profound knowledge of climate change and sustainable development, combined with his valuable experience in integrating these with public policy, meant that his lecture would surely provide important insights for faculty and students.
Professor Tain-Jy Chen (陳添枝) of TSE stated that, in an effort to face the crucial challenge of global net-zero carbon emissions, NTHU has recently established the College of Sustainability and that TSE is set to launch a sustainability program. Professor Chen, who has held important government positions including Minister of the National Development Council and Chairman of the Council for Economic Planning and Development, deeply understands the importance of establishing net-zero carbon emission pathways through public policy as well as the importance of gaining public support. "Steven Chu has given us a very valuable lesson," he said.
Deputy Dean Chien-Te Fan (范建得) of the College of Sustainability mentioned that Dr. Chu not only used science to show that net-zero is not a myth, but he also helped everyone to understand sustainability from various macro-perspectives such as food, population, and society. The joy on Dr. Chu's face when discussing the carbon capture technology that students are trying to develop reflects a master's attitude toward passing on knowledge, which is truly admirable.
Chih-Jou Lin (林知柔), a first-year graduate student from the Institute of Environmental and Cultural Resources, also attended the lecture. She said the lecture helped her realize that net-zero is not just an issue for the technology industry, large corporations, and government to solve, but rather a matter that concerns everyone. Taiwan's net-zero journey is still in its early stages, and perhaps education could be a starting point for the interdisciplinary integration of environmental protection and sustainability.
Academician Chu is a world-renowned physicist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1997 for developing laser cooling and the optical trapping of atoms, becoming the fourth ethnic Chinese to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics after Chen-Ning Yang (楊振寧), Tsung-Dao Lee (李政道), and Samuel C. C. Ting (丁肇中).
During President Obama's administration, Academician Chu served as U.S. Secretary of Energy from 2009 to 2013, becoming the first Chinese American to hold this position. During his tenure as Secretary of Energy, he actively promoted America's transition to renewable energy while also emphasizing the development of green energy and nuclear safety.
From 2004 to 2009, Academician Chu served as Director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, where he focused on renewable energy research and carbon neutrality technologies, making significant contributions to improving energy efficiency.
At Stanford University, Academician Chu holds the William R. Kenan Jr. Chair in Physics and professorships in Molecular and Cellular Physiology and Energy Science and Engineering. He is a distinguished member of both the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and Taiwan's Academia Sinica. In recent years, he has focused on research in biophysics, medical imaging, nanoparticle synthesis, and battery technology, while frequently giving lectures on net-zero carbon emissions and continuing to contribute to global sustainable development.
Nobel Physics Laureate Academician Steven Chu (朱棣文) delivering a lecture at NTHU.
Nobel Physics Laureate Academician Steven Chu (朱棣文) delivering a lecture at NTHU.
Nobel Physics Laureate Academician Steven Chu (朱棣文)(right) in conversation with NTHU President W. John Kao (高為元).
Nobel Physics Laureate Academician Steven Chu (朱棣文)(center) taking a group photo with NTHU students after the lecture.
Nobel Physics Laureate Academician Steven Chu (朱棣文)(center) taking a group photo with NTHU students after the lecture.
Nobel Physics Laureate Academician Steven Chu (朱棣文)(left) engaging in friendly interaction with NTHU President W. John Kao (高為元).
NTHU President W. John Kao (高為元) moderating the Q&A session following Academician Chu's lecture.
Three hundred NTHU faculty members and students attending Academician Chu's lecture.
Nobel Physics Laureate Academician Steven Chu (朱棣文) delivering a lecture at NTHU.
NTHU faculty and students attending Academician Chu's lecture.
Nobel Physics Laureate Academician Steven Chu (朱棣文) lecturing to a full house at NTHU.
Nobel Physics Laureate Academician Steven Chu (朱棣文) lecturing to a full house at NTHU.
visited: