On April 23, the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance geothermal development in Northern Taiwan. The agreement, formalized in the presence of key figures including Dr. Ken Wisian, Deputy Director of UT Austin’s Bureau of Economic Geology, and NTOU Professors Chao-Shing Lee and Chung-Cheng Chang, focuses on joint research, technical collaboration, and co-development of geothermal resources in areas from Taipei to Yilan.

Signing of the MOU between UT Austin and NTOU, April 23, 2025

The partnership aims to bolster Taiwan’s geothermal sector, which is still emerging. Professor Chao-Shing Lee stated: “Taiwan’s geothermal industry is still in its early stages. Through international collaboration, we can accelerate the development of deep geothermal as a key baseload power source.” The collaboration targets both onshore and offshore geothermal potential, leveraging the favorable conditions in Taiwan’s northeast, where existing power infrastructure supports development.

Taiwan’s Bureau of Energy has set a geothermal target of 1.2 to 1.5 GW by 2030, aligning with efforts to diversify and decarbonize the energy mix. The UT Austin–NTOU initiative supports these ambitions by combining Texas’ expertise with Taiwan’s resources. Dr. Wisian highlighted UT Austin’s “Geothermal Anywhere” initiative and its techno-economic modeling, which evaluates project feasibility using over 150 variables. He noted geothermal’s versatility, stating: “Geothermal doesn’t have to be just about electricity—it’s about using heat smartly, in ways that match local needs.” Applications like agriculture, district heating, and cooling could benefit local communities.

The MOU signing attracted significant industry support, with attendees including Joe Nieh, Director General of the State of Texas Taiwan Office; Nasikul Islam of Exceed Geo Energy; Eddie Y. Wang and Marc Ching-Hui Liao of Far East Renewables Group; Cheng-Yan Gao of Lanyang Geothermal Corp.; and Dr. Shou-Cheng Wang of the Taiwan Geothermal Association. Their presence underscores the growing momentum for geothermal energy in Taiwan and the strength of academic-industry partnerships.

This collaboration aligns with global trends, as the International Energy Agency projects geothermal capacity reaching 800 GW by 2050, driven by international cooperation. The UT Austin–NTOU partnership serves as a model for accelerating geothermal deployment in emerging markets, combining innovation with practical solutions. By integrating global expertise, the initiative enhances Taiwan’s role as a regional leader in geothermal technology, fostering sustainable energy development and economic benefits for local communities.