Taitung’s Green Miracle: From Renewable Energy to a Net-Zero Vision

Hongye’s Geothermal Miracle

In the Hongye Valley in Taitung’s Yanping Township, the winding Luye River flows through a lush green gorge, beneath which lies a treasure trove of intense geothermal energy. Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Taitung is naturally blessed with abundant geothermal resources, and Hong Ye’s Vakangan Hot Spring Park marks a major milestone in the county’s development of this potential. Since 2020, TCC Green Energy, a subsidiary of the Taiwan Cement Corporation, has been conducting geological surveys here as part of plans for geothermal power generation. After extensive coordination with the Yanping Township Office and local indigenous communities, a geothermal power plant is now near completion and expected to begin commercial operation by the end of 2025.

(Photo credit: @outdoor40046 )

Green Energy Never Rests

Hongye’s geothermal treasure trove, located 800 meters underground and stretching over a kilometer in length, has been developed through the installation of three geothermal generators and their gradually integration to the electrical grid. The goal is to generate a stable output of 1 MW, enough to supply energy for 2,500 households. Compared to other renewable energy sources, geothermal has unique advantages — it runs 24 hours a day and is unaffected by weather conditions. More importantly, the power generation process requires no fuel inputs and emits no pollution. With advanced binary cycle technology, geothermal water, once used and cooled, can be reinjected underground for reheating, achieving true circular utilization. Such technologies lay a solid foundation for Taitung’s ambition of achieving 100 percent renewable power.

(Photo credit: @lafi_bon  )

A Dual-use Plant for Water Purification and Hydroelectric

In addition to geothermal energy resources, Taitung also makes excellent use of its abundant surface water systems. Steep, fast-flowing rivers offer ideal conditions for small hydropower plants. These include the Lijia Water Purification Plant, which is Taiwan’s first water supply facility to also generate electricity. Leveraging a 54-meter drop in the river’s elevation, a 130-kilowatt small hydropower system has been installed, enabling the water originally designated for household use to simultaneously generate electricity as it runs through the plant.

Resilient Village Power Grids

Lijia’s dual-use plant currently generates enough electricity to meet the daily power needs of 200 households. It also reduces annual carbon emissions by 336 tons and highlights the potential for diversified resource use. Building on this success, the Taitung County Government has expanded small hydropower initiatives into the South-Link area, particularly in mountainous villages like Jinfeng Township. With about 34 percent of Taitung County prone to direct typhoon impacts, these small hydropower systems, combined with microgrid technology, not only meet daily power needs in remote areas but also ensure uninterrupted electricity during disasters, thereby fulfilling the goal of a resilient energy supply.

A Net-Zero Vision for 2050

Looking ahead, the Taitung County Government has laid out an ambitious blueprint to become Taiwan’s first major administrative division to be 100 percent powered by renewable energy by 2050. The projected energy mix includes 29 percent hydropower, 60 percent geothermal, and 11 percent solar. This isn’t just an energy transition — it’s a green revolution rooted in local resource utilization. The Hongye Valley Park has already begun applying geothermal energy towards industrial processes for dehydrating and preserving agricultural products, including pineapple and cacao from Yanping Township.

 It’s a new and unique model for agricultural processing, and an example of Taitung’s vision for the future. From underground heat to mountain streams, from energy self-sufficiency to industrial innovation, Taitung is pioneering a green future for sustainable development in eastern Taiwan — according to its own rhythm.