MOEA Promotes Geothermal Exploration Results Sharing to Shorten Early-Stage Development by 3 to 5 Years
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) Geological Survey and Mining Management Center announced the sharing of geothermal exploration results, aiming to shorten early-stage geothermal development by 3 to 5 years. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce uncertainties and risks associated with initial geothermal development.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 19:55
- 🔍 Collected: May 6, 2026 at 20:01 (6 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 6, 2026 at 21:54 (1h 52m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Zeng Yunting, Taipei 6th) The Ministry of Economic Affairs Geological Survey and Mining Management Center announced today that it has completed several geothermal exploration projects in recent years and, by publicly sharing data, assists operators in identifying potential geothermal zones. This is expected to shorten the time for early-stage operations such as potential surveys, drilling, and exploration by approximately 3 to 5 years, significantly reducing the uncertainty and risks of initial geothermal development.
The Geothermal Center pointed out at a press conference today, "Explanation of Geothermal Exploration Information Platform Data Supply," that the key to early-stage geothermal development lies in understanding information such as underground heat source distribution, fracture pathways, reservoir conditions, and recharge systems. In recent years, the center has integrated and publicly disclosed exploration results from 10 geothermal potential zones across Taiwan, establishing a geothermal exploration information platform to serve as a reference for industry, academia, research institutions, and public sectors in development and decision-making.
The Geothermal Center stated that through surface surveys, airborne geophysical prospecting, and geochemical analysis in recent years, cumulative drilling depth has reached 14,000 meters, and airborne geophysical exploration has covered nearly half of Taiwan. It has integrated approximately 3,000 geochemical data points and thousands of geothermal-related data points, and through multi-layer mapping analysis, the accuracy of potential zone identification has been improved.
Regarding potential distribution, the Geothermal Center indicated that the North-East Taiwan region accounts for over 60% of the total geothermal potential in Taiwan. Actual measurements show that areas such as Northern Datun Mountain, Hualien Ruisui, and Taitung Chulai possess high-temperature geothermal conditions, indicating higher development potential.
In terms of concrete benefits, the Geothermal Center stated that a typical geothermal development project takes about 7 to 8 years, including potential surveys, drilling and exploration, feasibility studies, power generation design, plant construction, and operation. The Geothermal Center primarily provides the most crucial basic geothermal information for early-stage development through regional surveys, data integration, platform establishment, and technical exchanges, which can generally help manufacturers shorten their development schedule by 3 to 5 years.
The Geothermal Center noted that relevant data has currently been provided to approximately 10 to 20 operators, and it is promoting investment attraction in conjunction with the Energy Administration's geothermal power generation demonstration incentive mechanism. Additionally, it is collaborating with research institutions in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, and Japan, and introducing Turkish drilling technology to strengthen exploration capabilities.
Looking ahead, the Geothermal Center stated that geothermal development is a long-term initiative. It will continue to expand the scope of surveys, prioritize deepening exploration in high-potential areas of North-East Taiwan, and evaluate undeveloped bare land and blind geothermal potential zones. Plans are in place to progressively advance related projects before 2030. (Editor: Lin Chia-Hsien) 1150506
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download Central News Agency's "First-Hand News" APP to stay updated instantly.
Texts, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
Keywords:
(Central News Agency reporter Zeng Yunting, Taipei 6th) The Ministry of Economic Affairs Geological Survey and Mining Management Center announced today that it has completed several geothermal exploration projects in recent years and, by publicly sharing data, assists operators in identifying potential geothermal zones. This is expected to shorten the time for early-stage operations such as potential surveys, drilling, and exploration by approximately 3 to 5 years, significantly reducing the uncertainty and risks of initial geothermal development.
The Geothermal Center pointed out at a press conference today, "Explanation of Geothermal Exploration Information Platform Data Supply," that the key to early-stage geothermal development lies in understanding information such as underground heat source distribution, fracture pathways, reservoir conditions, and recharge systems. In recent years, the center has integrated and publicly disclosed exploration results from 10 geothermal potential zones across Taiwan, establishing a geothermal exploration information platform to serve as a reference for industry, academia, research institutions, and public sectors in development and decision-making.
The Geothermal Center stated that through surface surveys, airborne geophysical prospecting, and geochemical analysis in recent years, cumulative drilling depth has reached 14,000 meters, and airborne geophysical exploration has covered nearly half of Taiwan. It has integrated approximately 3,000 geochemical data points and thousands of geothermal-related data points, and through multi-layer mapping analysis, the accuracy of potential zone identification has been improved.
Regarding potential distribution, the Geothermal Center indicated that the North-East Taiwan region accounts for over 60% of the total geothermal potential in Taiwan. Actual measurements show that areas such as Northern Datun Mountain, Hualien Ruisui, and Taitung Chulai possess high-temperature geothermal conditions, indicating higher development potential.
In terms of concrete benefits, the Geothermal Center stated that a typical geothermal development project takes about 7 to 8 years, including potential surveys, drilling and exploration, feasibility studies, power generation design, plant construction, and operation. The Geothermal Center primarily provides the most crucial basic geothermal information for early-stage development through regional surveys, data integration, platform establishment, and technical exchanges, which can generally help manufacturers shorten their development schedule by 3 to 5 years.
The Geothermal Center noted that relevant data has currently been provided to approximately 10 to 20 operators, and it is promoting investment attraction in conjunction with the Energy Administration's geothermal power generation demonstration incentive mechanism. Additionally, it is collaborating with research institutions in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, and Japan, and introducing Turkish drilling technology to strengthen exploration capabilities.
Looking ahead, the Geothermal Center stated that geothermal development is a long-term initiative. It will continue to expand the scope of surveys, prioritize deepening exploration in high-potential areas of North-East Taiwan, and evaluate undeveloped bare land and blind geothermal potential zones. Plans are in place to progressively advance related projects before 2030. (Editor: Lin Chia-Hsien) 1150506
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download Central News Agency's "First-Hand News" APP to stay updated instantly.
Texts, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
Keywords: