Status and Future of Geothermal Resources Development and Utilization Along Qinghai-Tibet Railway in Tibet, China

Abstract

Under the background of China’s western development strategy and the operation of Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the area along the Railway in Tibet ushers in a good opportunity for development. Making full use of local superior geothermal resources is an effective way to ease the energy shortage in development process in this area. Thus, efforts are made in this paper in investigation and research. There are nearly 40 geothermal anomaly areas in a straight-line distance of about 240 km, a railway journey of about 450 km, within a range of no more than 55 km far from the Qinghai-Tibet railway from Amdo County, the north end, to Lhasa city, the south end. Among those 44 anomaly areas, 22 were picked out for geological or drilling exploration. Exploration results show that 10 areas such as Yvzhai, Nagqu, Roma, Gulu, Damxung, Ningzhong, Yangbajin, Jiguoda, Yangyi, and Qusang, have good prospects of development due to relatively larger resources potential, better natural environment, and shorter distance from populous towns. More attention was put on these 10 areas. Based on analysis of locations, scales, chemical characteristics, resource potentials, and research levels of these areas along the railway, utilization status and main existing problems are summarized. And furthermore, comments and suggestions are put forwards for future development and utilization.