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Academia Sinica and the National Museum of Natural Science today opened the exhibition Harmony with Geothermal: A Sustainable Dialogue on Humanity, Resources, and Environment in Taichung. The exhibition introduces the science behind geothermal energy and showcases research findings from Academia Sinica’s geothermal team. Visitors can explore how geothermal resources are formed, how they circulate and are stored underground, and how geological analysis can help identify geothermal potential for renewable power generation. The exhibition also encourages reflection on how science can help society balance energy demands, environmental constraints, and local livelihoods in the pursuit of sustainable development.

In his opening remarks, Academia Sinica President James C. Liao noted that Academia Sinica released its research strategy white paper Taiwan Net-Zero Technology R&D Policy Recommendations, in 2022, calling for strong support for five key net-zero technology pathways, including the development of deep geothermal energy. Taiwan sits at the boundary of the Eurasian and Philippine Sea plates, giving the island abundant geothermal resources that can provide a stable, domestic form of baseload renewable energy. Drawing on its expertise in the earth sciences and geological survey, Academia Sinica is working with experts across disciplines, private-sector partners, and government agencies to integrate geological research, exploration drilling, and development technologies in order to advance deep geothermal energy. President Liao expressed hope that, through science outreach, the public will gain a better understanding of how continued scientific progress, together with new technologies and new ways of thinking, can create greater opportunities for the energy transition.　

National Museum of Natural Science Director Wen-San Huang thanked Academia Sinica’s geothermal research team for sharing their pioneering research and contributing valuable exhibits, including more than 400 rock cuttings collected at 10-meter intervals during the drilling process, as well as drilling equipment and geodetic survey instruments. The exhibition will also travel to Lanyang Museum in Yilan next year, where it will help visitors understand how geothermal energy, once primarily associated with volcanic activity and natural hazards, is now recognized as one of the world’s most promising renewable energy resources.

A documentary film entitled Hunters of the Power Below is also being presented for the first time as part of the exhibition. Jian-Cheng Lee, Principal Investigator of the Taiwan Geothermal Research and Technology Development Project, said the documentary chronicles the efforts of researchers and engineers working on the front lines of geothermal exploration and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the scientific basis for deep geothermal exploration and development. Geothermal development relies on rigorous geological investigation, together with geochemical and geophysical exploration, to identify suitable drilling locations. International experience suggests that three to five exploratory wells are typically required before a commercially viable geothermal power project can be developed. Through the film, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation of both the expertise and the challenges involved in deep geothermal development.

Beyond showcasing the science of geothermal energy, the exhibition explores how cultures and societies have interacted with geothermal resources throughout history. It also highlights the applications of geothermal resources in agriculture, industry, and tourism. The opening ceremony featured a choral performance by Indigenous students from Mudan Primary School in Pingtung, whose songs expressed respect for and gratitude toward nature, echoing the exhibition’s emphasis on sustainability.

Attendees included Kuo-Fong Ma, Director of the Institute of Earth Sciences, Academia Sinica; Academician and Distinguished Research Fellow Sun-Lin Chung; more than ten members of the Academia Sinica geothermal research team; and distinguished guests, including representatives from the Geological Survey and Mining Management Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The exhibition is now open at the National Museum of Natural Science. Information on documentary screenings and related public events is available on the exhibition’s Chinese-language website.

Exhibition Title:
Harmony with Geothermal: A Sustainable Dialogue on Humanity, Resources, and Environment

Exhibition Dates:
June 4, 2026 – April 6, 2027

Venue:
Global Environment Hall, 1F, 2nd Exhibition Gallery
(No.1, Guanqian Rd., North Dist., Taichung City, Taiwan)