Share:
Yung-Ching Hsu, a master’s student in the Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Information at Feng Chia University, received the Excellence Award (Graduate Student Division) at the 30th International Geographical Conference of Taiwan (IGCT 2026). Under the supervision of Professor Yi-Hsiang Hsu, Chair of the department, she was recognized for her paper titled:
“Local Translation of Carbon Reduction Benefits from Solar Photovoltaic Development and the Analysis of Local Justice: A Case Study of Dacheng Township, Changhua County.”
The conference, hosted by the Department of Geography at National Taiwan Normal University on April 18–19, was themed“Geographical Transformation: Embracing a New Era of Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, and Education.” The event brought together leading scholars and researchers from major Taiwanese universities, including National Taiwan University, National Taiwan Normal University, National Cheng Kung University, National Chengchi University, and Feng Chia University. International participants also attended from institutions such as Nagasaki University (Japan), Utrecht University (the Netherlands), and Kuwait University.
Yung-Ching Hsu (front row, second from right), a master's student in the Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Information at Feng Chia University, received the Excellence Award (Graduate Student Division) at the 30th International Geographical Conference of Taiwan (IGCT 2026).
The award-winning study addressed a critical issue in Taiwan’s energy transition by examining the relationship between renewable energy development and local justice.
The research focused on Dacheng Township in Changhua County, an area that has long faced structural challenges such as land subsidence, flooding, and population decline, while simultaneously becoming an important location for solar energy development. The study argues that current energy policies often emphasize carbon reduction benefits at the national level while overlooking the environmental pressures and land-use conflicts experienced by local communities.
To translate policy concepts into measurable impacts, Hsu conducted a quantitative analysis showing that nearly 40 percent of local solar photovoltaic installations are located within agricultural areas. These facilities contribute an estimated 25,185 to 29,922 metric tons of net carbon reduction annually. Based on a carbon pricing benchmark of NT$300 per ton, the annual nominal value of these reductions is estimated at approximately NT$7.55 million to NT$8.97 million.
However, the study also highlights an imbalance: while local communities bear the consequences of land-use competition and increased drainage pressures, they often receive limited institutional compensation or benefits in return. The research therefore calls for greater consideration of local interests and fair governance mechanisms within Taiwan’s renewable energy transition.
Presenting in the“AI and Geographic Data Science” session, Hsu argued that local communities should not merely serve as “spatial containers” for achieving national net-zero goals. Instead, they should be recognized as active stakeholders with meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making processes. Her evidence-based presentation and clear analysis received high praise from the judging panel.
The Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Information noted that this achievement reflects not only the student’s research capabilities but also the department’s long-standing commitment to issues of land governance, sustainable urban and regional development, and social justice.
The department hopes this accomplishment will encourage more students to engage with real-world societal challenges and apply academic expertise to support equitable and sustainable development in Taiwan.
During her oral presentation, Yung-Ching Hsu impressed the judges with clear communication, strong empirical evidence, and insightful analysis, earning unanimous recognition from the review committee.
Share:
Related News