Taiwan’s ambitious plans to significantly increase installed geothermal capacity over the next 25 years present both an exciting opportunity and a set of complex challenges.

Taiwan’s ambitious plans to significantly increase installed geothermal capacity over the next 25 years present both an exciting opportunity and a set of complex challenges. This shaped many of the discussions at the 3rd Taiwan International Geothermal Conference (TIGC), where the Geothermal Institute participated alongside other international experts to share expertise and engage in sector-wide dialogue. 

Hosted by the Taiwanese Energy Administration and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, with co-sponsorship from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, the event brought together more than 500 participants – including government officials, state-owned enterprises, local businesses, academic institutions, and environmental groups – to explore the future of Taiwan’s geothermal development. 

Global geothermal experts and domestic industry leaders exchanged insights on technology innovation, policy developments, and international energy trends. A key theme that emerged was the importance of pairing strong technical capability and engineering experience with a robust, research-informed evidence base to ensure geothermal goals are achieved sustainably and effectively. New Zealand’s geothermal sector – including the Geothermal Institute – was highlighted as a strong partner in this effort, and Co-Director Dr John O’Sullivan’s plenary address to the conference audience emphasised just how well placed the New Zealand geothermal sector is to help Taiwan along its journey.  

The conference also coincided with the signing of a Letter of Understanding (LOU) between Academia Sinica, Taiwan’s Institute of Earth Sciences (IES) and the University of Auckland’s Geothermal Institute, reinforcing the value of long-term collaboration in advancing geothermal science and knowledge transfer. This builds on the Institute’s existing strategic partnerships with Taiwan’s research sector, including the signing of an agreement with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in 2024 that has since facilitated a number of technical and personnel exchanges. 

Aotearoa New Zealand’s presence at the event – which included representatives from the Geothermal Institute, UniServices, Mitchell Daysh, MB Century Ltd, and Gentrack – supported a unified narrative around Aotearoa’s multidisciplinary strengths and generational experience in geothermal development to help navigate the complex challenges involved in scaling up geothermal energy. 

With the support of NZTE, the delegation was successful in delivering a unified message on the value proposition of partnering with New Zealand on geothermal, and demonstrate to a wide range of stakeholders how New Zealand’s geothermal sector can support Taiwan’s move toward a more secure, and sustainable energy future – Ngā mihi nui to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office (NZCIO) in Taipei for their support and partnership.