OGSMMA Held "Geothermal in Progress—2024 Forum on Deep Geothermal Potential Exploration" Unveiling Deep Geothermal Potential

To accelerate the development of geothermal energy in Taiwan, the Organization Act of the Geological Survey and Mining Management Agency, MOEA (OGSMMA) held the "Geothermal in Progress—2024 Forum on Deep Geothermal Potential Exploration" on December 17, 2024, at the Howard Civil Service International House. This forum showcased the most comprehensive achievements to date in domestic geothermal exploration practices. Notably, OGSMMA and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) introduced a collaboration with a Turkish drilling company, marking a milestone in Taiwan's geothermal history. Together, they successfully conducted deep-drilling operations exceeding 2,000 meters—equivalent to the combined height of four Taipei 101 skyscrapers—achieving complete core sampling of continuous rock sections for the first time.

On December 18, participants were invited to the Geophysical Exploration in Matsao Geothermal Area, where they witnessed current exploration results and experienced geothermal energy firsthand, including volcanic steam discharge demonstrations through drilling systems. Additionally, attendees visited Fabulous Power's Sihuangziping Pilot Geothermal Power Plant to observe geothermal renewable energy's environmental benefits. Over two days, the forum not only presented cutting-edge exploration achievements but also reaffirmed the government's determination to lead the charge in exploring Taiwan's deep geothermal energy resources.

The forum gathered more than 400 experts, scholars, and industry representatives from academia, government, and the private sector to delve into Taiwan's geothermal energy development. A key highlight was the display of a three-meter-long rock core segment from the first successful 2,000-meter continuous sampling operation. The sample, retrieved from Wulu, Haiduan Township in Taitung County, was the result of an eight-month collaborative effort by OGSMMA, ITRI, and Turkey's Ortadogu Drilling Company. Overcoming challenges such as fractured metamorphic rocks, borehole instability, slurry loss, and water influx, the team achieved remarkable geological investigative results. Subsequent analysis of the rock core will clarify reservoir characteristics and identify thermal fracture conduits with temperatures reaching 140°C, enabling further assessment of deep geothermal potential.

Of particular significance, this continuous core includes Taiwan's first-ever granite sample representative of the continental crust. Its acquisition underscores the core's value in analyzing and evaluating deep geothermal resources.

OGSMMA has actively advanced multi-scale and diversified geothermal exploration in collaboration with domestic teams. Taiwan's geothermal exploration technologies are maturing, as evidenced by this forum, which outlined the geothermal potential across various regions. Verified drilling data confirmed temperatures of 245°C in the Datun volcanic area, 175°C in Ruisui, Hualien, 150°C in Yanping, Taitung, 140°C in Wulu, Taitung, and 120°C in Chunyang, Nantou. This data accelerates industrial applications under diverse thermal scenarios, demonstrating geothermal energy's pivotal role in Taiwan's energy transition and its alignment with the nation's 2050 net-zero carbon emission goals.

The forum, titled "Geothermal in Progress," symbolizes the accelerated advancement of geothermal energy development. Featuring 14 keynote presentations and on-site technical exchanges, discussions covered the challenges and innovations in developing geothermal potential across various regions. On the second day, participants toured exploration sites in the Ma-Tsou area, operated collaboratively by OGSMMA, CPC Corporation, Taiwan, and Feng Yeu Green Energy, as well as the Sihuangziping Pilot Geothermal Power Plant. These activities aimed to boost investor confidence and promote comprehensive industry collaboration.

OGSMMA Director Xu Ming-Hong emphasized the agency's critical responsibility in exploring geothermal energy potential. Through partnerships with premier academic and research institutions, including National Taiwan University, National Cheng Kung University, National Central University, Taipei Tech, and ITRI, OGSMMA has made extensive geological data publicly available on the Geothermal Exploration System. The forum provided a platform for experts to share insights, striving to enhance Taiwan's geothermal exploration technologies and expedite the nation's geothermal energy development.