TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Geological Survey and Mining Management Agency said it has strengthened geothermal exploration and set up a public platform for accessing exploration results across Taiwan, supporting the government’s renewable energy push.
According to the agency, early-stage geothermal development requires understanding underground heat sources and rock fracture systems. Government-led surveys and open access to exploration data can help shorten evaluation time for developers and reduce uncertainty, said a press release from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Geothermal energy is not affected by weather and can provide a stable electricity supply. The agency said the government has completed surveys, testing, and drilling in 10 geothermal potential areas across Taiwan.
Tatun Volcano Group in Taipei and parts of Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung hold about 80% of Taiwan’s geothermal resources. The agency added that most geothermal potential areas have underground temperatures above 150 C and hard rock conditions, highlighting Taiwan’s strong potential for geothermal energy development.
In October 2024, the government began drilling a geothermal well in Yilan, reaching a depth of 4 km where underground temperatures exceed 150 C. CPC Corp. is also drilling a geothermal well in the county’s Dongshan Township and had reached 2,200 meters as of March.
Taipower and CPC have also established the Renze Geothermal Power Plant in Yilan since October 2023. The facility can generate about 4.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, enough to power around 1,200 households annually.
Taipower said the area around the Renze plant has high geothermal potential. It plans to expand the facility’s capacity in the second half of this year, aiming to triple its installed capacity.
The platform for accessing geothermal exploration results provides data on geology, drilling, and temperature. The Energy Administration said approved developers can use this information to choose sites and plan exploration.
