Geothermal Space Heating Has a Promising Role to Play in the Reduction of Air Pollution in North China: a Success Story of the Xiongxian Geothermal Project

Abstract

Over the past 10 years, China has become the world leader in direct use of geothermal resources. Among the space heating applications, Xiongxian County has been a model project. The project has turned the region smoke-free. A comparison has shown that, with 6.7 million square meters of houses serviced, Xiongxian is the largest geothermal heating project in the world in terms of total area heated by geothermal if the fact that heat supply is from a single geothermal field is considered. Efficient and rational development in Xiongxian Geothermal Field has set high technological standards for the rest of China and the world in terms of 100% waste water reinjection. The project has led and promoted the exploitation and utilization of geothermal resources in China, especially in the population-concentrated and economic focus. It is of great significance for the energy structure transition of the country as well as the reduction of air pollution because of the fact that more than half of the smog days are in the winter time when coal-burning heating is on. This paper will review the resources potential estimate at greater depth, the response of the geothermal field to large scale utilization, and technological achievements made during the project implementation. The great potential of geothermal resources in the region and the success of Xiongxian project have shed light on the future of geothermal development in the Xiong’an New Area and the rest of North China.