TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Renze Geothermal Plant in Yilan County shows how Taiwan is turning hot springs into a reliable pillar of its net-zero energy strategy.
Located in the Taipingshan valley, the facility taps local hot springs without the strong sulfur odor typical of geothermal areas, per CNA. Unlike solar and wind, Renze can connect to the grid within 30 minutes while maintaining 60–70% efficiency, providing steady power.
Renze generates 3.7 million kWh annually, enough to supply roughly 1,000 households. The plant uses an Organic Rankine Cycle system, reinjecting more than 95% of water to preserve resources and extend equipment life.
Geothermal drilling is challenging, with fractured zones, stuck drills, and other risks. Projects also often sit on Indigenous lands, requiring community engagement. Taipower says it built trust through collaboration with village leaders.
Taiwan first explored geothermal energy during the 1970s oil crisis. The Chingshui Plant, launched in 1981, operated for just 12 years due to turbine mismatches and extraction challenges. Early drilling at Renze confirmed potential, but its remote location and low demand delayed development.
The Renewable Energy Development Act in 2009 reintegrated geothermal into Taiwan’s planning. In 2018, Taipower and CPC Corporation drilled Wells 3 and 4 at Renze, forming a “national geothermal team” combining drilling expertise, operational know-how, and domestic equipment testing.
In 2023, an amendment to the act added a geothermal chapter, extending water rights to 20 years and mandating reinjection of over 90% of wastewater. The law also safeguards local hot spring businesses and Indigenous rights, creating a more favorable environment for development.
The government aims to reach 20 MW of commercial geothermal capacity by the end of 2025 and expand to 6 GW by 2050. Taipower is exploring new sites and collaborating internationally to strengthen grid stability in northern and eastern Taiwan.
The company plans to expand Renze’s capacity, repair existing wells, and drill new ones, while partnering with nearby Jiuzhize Hot Springs to combine tourism with green energy.
