Taiwan advances geothermal exploration in five regions

The Geological Survey and Mining Management Center (GSMMA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced significant progress in geothermal exploration across Taiwan’s top five potential regions, concentrating roughly 80% of national geothermal potential in the North–Yilan–Hualien–Taitung corridor.

• Main announcement/action: GSMMA reported major exploration breakthroughs in the five highest-potential geothermal zones (accounting for ~80% of national potential), with measured temperatures including 245°C high-temperature steam at Datunshan (Masao), 175°C upwelling hot water at Ruisui (Hualien), and 150°C readings in Haiduan and Yanping (Taitung); GSMMA is prioritizing the Lanyang River area, has introduced Canada’s MobileMT airborne magnetotelluric technology, and will expand to 15 potential exploration sites across Taiwan this year.
• Background and details: GSMMA is combining airborne, surface and subsurface exploration methods (airborne gravity/magnetic surveys, airborne MT, geological and structural analysis) and publishing survey results on the Geothermal Exploration Information Platform under the principle “there are no secrets under the ground”; current active projects and plants mentioned include Qingshui Geothermal Power Plant, and ongoing developments at Renze and Tuchang with coordination/visits involving the Executive Yuan and CPC Corporation Taiwan.