Research on Sustainable Utilization of Shallow Geothermal Resources in Beijing, China

Abstract

The city of Beijing, as China's capital, has more than ten years of history in development and utilization of shallow geothermal energy. The technology of ground source heat pump is an important measure of developing renewable energy in Beijing, which makes use of shallow geothermal energy for building heating and cooling. By the end of 2012, the number of ground source heat pump projects in Beijing has reached 1,217 with the application construction area of 37.59 million square meters. The ground source heat pump makes a significant contribution for optimizing energy structure, reducing consumption of coal and other fossil fuels and promoting energy conservation. This article describes the occurrence background and status quo of shallow geothermal resources, elaborates the existing problems in the exploitation and utilization of shallow geothermal resources, such as the suitability in different geological conditions, the key technologies restrictions and negative effects on the geological environment. Finally it puts forward the countermeasures and suggestions aimed at these problems on the sustainable exploitation and utilization of shallow geothermal resources in Beijing.