EVALUATING GEOTHERMAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN TAIWAN USING MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING (MCDM): CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Taiwan's geothermal energy sector presents a promising yet underdeveloped opportunity for sustainable energy transition. Despite its moderate geothermal potential, development has been slow due to regulatory challenges, financial constraints, and technological limitations. This research applies a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method to systematically asses key factors influencing geothermal energy development in Taiwan. The analysis considers criteria such as resource availability, government policies, economic feasibility, environmental impact, and technological advancements. The results indicate that while Taiwan's policy framework has improved with recent incentives under the Renewable Energy Development Act, financial risks and technological constraints remain critical barriers. By prioritizing these factors, the study provides strategic insights for policymakers and investors to enhance decision-making, streamline regulatory processes, and accelerate geothermal energy adoption in Taiwan.