In a major move to bolster Taiwan’s renewable energy capacity, Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) and CPC Corporation, Taiwan have teamed up to launch an ambitious geothermal energy exploration project starting in 2025. The two state-owned giants aim to generate 1 gigawatt (GW) of geothermal power by 2028 as part of Taiwan’s long-term strategy to transition to sustainable energy sources.
The announcement was made by Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Lien Ching-chang at the Taiwan Renewable Energy Summit on Thursday. This effort is in line with Taiwan’s broader push to diversify its clean energy portfolio, including wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power.
Taiwan’s Geothermal Energy Ambitions: A Step Toward a Greener Future
Taiwan has set ambitious goals for its energy future, with plans to produce 60-70% of its total electricity from sustainable sources by 2050. This aligns with the global shift toward net-zero emissions and the widespread deployment of clean energy technologies.
Key Highlights of the Geothermal Initiative:
- Goal: Generate 1 GW of geothermal power by 2028.
- Exploration Teams: Around 20 CPC-Taipower teams will begin their work in 2025.
- Geothermal Potential: Taiwan’s shallow geothermal energy is estimated at 1 GW, while deep geothermal potential could reach as much as 40 GW.
- First Deep Geothermal Well: Taiwan’s first deep geothermal well is being drilled in Yuanshan Township in Yilan County, with completion expected by June 2025.
Taiwan’s Renewable Energy Strategy and Milestones
The Taiwanese government is accelerating efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by advancing the use of renewable energy. According to Economic Affairs Minister Kuo Jyh-huei, the country’s deep geothermal energy potential has the capacity to provide up to 10 GW of energy. This, along with other clean energy sources, will be key in helping Taiwan meet its long-term sustainability goals.
Other Notable Developments in Taiwan’s Renewable Energy Sector:
- Offshore Wind Power: Taiwan is ranked seventh globally for offshore wind power capacity. As of August 2024, Taiwan has installed 364 wind turbines, generating 2.7 GW of power.
- Renewable Energy Share: In the first nine months of 2024, renewable energy accounted for 10.5% of Taiwan’s total electricity generation, up from 9.1% during the same period in 2023. However, the government aims to increase this to 20% by 2025.
Geothermal Exploration and Taiwan’s Path to Energy Independence
The geothermal exploration project is expected to play a crucial role in Taiwan’s energy future. Geothermal energy is a reliable and renewable source of power, and Taiwan is well-positioned to tap into its abundant geothermal resources, particularly in the eastern regions of the island, where geothermal activity is more prevalent.
Exploration Phases:
- 2025 Start: The project will begin with exploration teams studying various regions for their geothermal potential.
- Shallow vs. Deep Geothermal Energy: The shallow geothermal energy is already known to have a potential of 1 GW, while deep geothermal resources could provide a high of 40 GW—a vast untapped resource.
This exploration is part of a multi-year effort by CPC and Taipower, two of Taiwan’s most influential energy companies, to ensure a stable and sustainable energy future for Taiwan.
Geothermal Energy as a Key Component of Taiwan’s Clean Energy Transition
As the government pushes forward with its clean energy transition, geothermal energy will be a key component alongside other green energy sources like solar power, wind energy, and hydropower. The collaboration between CPC and Taipower represents Taiwan’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and investing in long-term, sustainable energy solutions.
The Future of Taiwan’s Energy Sector:
- 2050 Net-Zero Target: Taiwan is aiming to transition to a net-zero emission energy sector by 2050.
- Clean Energy Mix: Taiwan’s long-term energy strategy is focused on a mix of wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower to meet the growing demand for clean electricity.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the goal of Taiwan’s geothermal energy project?
Taiwan aims to generate 1 GW of geothermal power by 2028, starting with the drilling of a deep geothermal well in Yilan County in 2024.
2. How much geothermal energy does Taiwan have?
Taiwan’s shallow geothermal energy potential is estimated at 1 GW, and its deep geothermal energy potential could reach up to 40 GW.
3. What are the key players in Taiwan’s geothermal exploration?
The project is being led by Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) and CPC Corporation, Taiwan, which will form approximately 20 teams for the exploration.
4. What other renewable energy sources is Taiwan focusing on?
Taiwan is also heavily investing in offshore wind energy, solar power, and hydropower to meet its renewable energy targets.
5. How much of Taiwan’s electricity currently comes from renewable sources?
Renewable energy accounted for 10.5% of Taiwan’s total electricity generation in the first nine months of 2024, with a target of 20% by 2025.
Conclusion
Taiwan is making significant strides toward energy independence and sustainability through its comprehensive renewable energy initiatives. The geothermal exploration project led by CPC and Taipower represents a critical step toward achieving the nation’s clean energy goals. With the focus on geothermal energy, alongside investments in wind and solar power, Taiwan is well on its way to a greener and more sustainable energy future.
For more updates on Taiwan’s energy sector and renewable initiatives, visit CialisWeb.tw.
