Taiwan started drilling the island’s first deep geothermal well in northeastern Yilan County, local media reported on Monday.
The drilling, carried out in collaboration with CPC Corporation and state-owned Academia Sinica oil company in the Yuanshan Township, is expected to take 18 months, the Taipei-based Central News Agency reported, citing a company statement.
Rich in geothermal resources, Taiwan’s shallow geothermal energy potential is about 1 gigawatt (GW) and the island has the potential to develop 10 gigawatts of geothermal energy, Economic Affairs Minister Kuo Jyh-huei said at a ceremony marking the start of the drilling.
Kuo cited a study by the ministry's Geological Survey and Mining Management Agency to elaborate on the country’s geothermal richness.
Yilan's Qingshui geothermal power plant not only creates clean energy and job opportunities but also promotes local economic prosperity, he said.
Yilan has long been recognized as having the “greatest” potential for geothermal energy generation in Taiwan, with numerous hot springs in the northeastern county.
Taiwan could have the potential to develop up to 1,000 geothermal wells, according to Kuo.
Anadolu Agency
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