Geothermal Energy Struggles to Erupt

In 1977, Free China Review (now Taiwan Review) published an article about the island’s electricity mix and the prominent role of nuclear power in providing Taiwan with power. It posited that “Northern Taiwan has geothermal potential” since “numerous hot springs and fumaroles vent steam from underground deposits.”
Nearly five decades later, as Taiwan phases out its last nuclear power plants, geothermal energy is still not available on a sizeable commercial scale. And although major investors have entered the market with high ambitions, much of their intended investment funds have ultimately been diverted elsewhere.