| Title | Techno-economic study of Taiwan advanced geothermal systems technology |
|---|---|
| Authors | K. Chou, C. Shen, C. Tien, B. Hsieh |
| Year | 2025 |
| Conference | New Zealand Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | Geothermal Energy, U-shaped Closed-loop Geothermal System, Numerical Simulation, Advanced Geothermal System, Geothermal Techno-economic Assessment |
| Abstract | As global efforts to mitigate climate change intensify, demand for renewable energy technologies has increased substantially. Taiwan has established comprehensive energy transition policies, with geothermal energy recognized as a strategic renewable resource. However, conventional hydrothermal systems (CHS) face substantial exploration risks and limitations in scalability, creating a need for next-generation geothermal technologies. The U-shaped Closed-loop Geothermal System (UCGS), categorized as an Advanced Geothermal System (AGS), not reliant on groundwater and with minimal environmental impact, emerges as a promising technology with potential for scalable deployment. This study utilizes the CMG STARS simulator to evaluate the modeling capabilities of UCGS through validation against the internationally recognized Eavor-Lite™ project. Subsequently, case studies incorporating geothermal reservoir parameters representative of Taiwan are conducted to assess UCGS performance. Sensitivity analyses are applied to investigate the impact of various geological and engineering parameters on heat extraction efficiency and power generation output. In addition, a preliminary techno-economic evaluation of UCGS implementation is performed. The research demonstrates the applicability of numerical simulation for UCGS assessment and provides a quantitative foundation for evaluating thermal efficiency and power generation potential. The results show that the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for UCGS in Taiwan's present industrial environment exceeds the established geothermal Feed-in Tariff (FIT), limiting commercial feasibility in the current market context. Analysis of cost factors shows that drilling expenditures are the most influential factor for improving overall project economics. As drilling technology advances and costs decrease, UCGS could become a vital resource of Taiwan's renewable energy portfolio and support its net-zero emissions goals. |