Participants from home and abroad give the thumbs-up at the Taiwan International Geothermal Conference 2024 Feb. 20 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Ministry of Economic Affairs)
 

The Taiwan International Geothermal Conference 2024 got underway Feb. 20 in Taipei City, with more than 600 local participants and representatives from 47 international firms taking part in the event held in person and streamed online.

Organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Energy Bureau for the second year, the two-day event featured a keynote speech; presentations on national geothermal policies and industry developments; updates on the latest global technical trends; a panel discussion and three workshops; marketing sessions; as well as a tour of the Sihuangziping Pilot Geothermal Power Plant in New Taipei City.

During a recorded message delivered at the opening ceremony, Premier Chen Chien-jen said public and private sector cooperation has laid a solid foundation for geothermal energy development in Taiwan. Citing amendments to the Renewable Energy Development Act last year to streamline application procedures, Chen said the government is committed to creating a renewable power friendly environment to spur local sector development.

Vice Economic Minister Tseng Wen-sheng noted renewable energy is a key component in the country’s energy transition, with geothermal energy playing a key role in the process. The MOEA’s policy goal is to reach 20 megawatts in installed capacity by 2025, 200MW by 2030 and 2 gigawatts by 2040, he added.

The conference informed participants about project management, gave updates on progress, and shared development strategies and support mechanisms, among other topics. (SFC-E)