| Title | How Geothermal Can Be Beneficial for Sustainable Development in Taiwan |
|---|---|
| Authors | Yi-Chia Lu |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | geothermal energy, socio-economic, SDGs, Taiwan |
| Abstract | Taiwan’s island geography limits geological resource development while creating tensions between economic growth and environmental conservation. Following global climate initiatives and the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Taiwan announced its Net-Zero Transition Solution in 2022, utilizing a comprehensive energy strategy to generate clean power without relying on nuclear options through incremental implementation, thereby overcoming multifaceted challenges. The geological setting at the plate convergence boundary produces abundant hot springs and favorable geothermal gradients. However, this unique combination of low-grade metamorphic rocks and an active orogenic belt over a subduction zone provides limited global expertise to draw from. Brittle rock formations and complex fracture systems make it difficult to explore underground structures and locate viable geothermal reservoirs. While geothermal energy is capable of providing a reliable, clean, and indigenous baseload power source, the realities and challenges include high upfront costs and geological uncertainties, the need for clear regulatory frameworks, and social acceptance from local landowners and the general public. Sustainable development harmonizes environmental protection with economic growth, once seen as opposites. Geothermal energy exemplifies this synergy, demonstrating how to balance economic development with conservation through versatile applications beyond electricity power, guided by a sustainable vision. By integrating sustainable elements into science and social education and learning from global examples, we can address the dual challenges of climate change and shifts in the universal economic landscape, implementing transformation strategies to create a brighter future for all. |