EGS: A Solution for Taiwan Geothermal Energy

Geothermal exploration conducted by the Geological Survey and Mining Management Agency (GSMMA) of Taiwan has estimated the region's geothermal potential to reach up to 40 gigawatts (GW). The national strategic plan aims for an installed capacity of approximately 3 to 6 GW by 2050. However, the potential for shallow geothermal energy is currently assessed at less than 1 GW. To achieve the ambitious target of 3 to 6 GW of geothermal capacity, Taiwan must prioritize the development of deep geothermal resources through the utilization of Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) or Advanced Geothermal System (AGS) technologies. Taiwan’s geographical location within an arc-continent collision zone results in a high geothermal gradient, although significant land constraints present challenges. The geothermal reservoir beneath Taiwan is relatively small and limited by the availability of fractured spaces to store thermal water, a consequence of the region's compressed tectonic activity. Consequently, the deployment of EGS or AGS technologies is critical for the construction of large-scale geothermal power facilities, thereby facilitating the achievement of Taiwan’s geothermal energy goals. However, the AGS remains prohibitively expensive and lacks commercial applications globally. As such, EGS presents a more viable solution for the development of geothermal energy in Taiwan.