Investigation of the Hydrothermal Potential of Different Geological Formations in Yangtze Plate Area (YPA), China

Abstract

The usage of geothermal energy for buildings heating and cooling in Yangtze Plate Area (YPA) develops rapidly in recent year in China. Hydrothermal energy was considered to have great potential in this area. In order to assess the hydrothermal potential, this study investigates a sedimentary sequence in YPA in south China. Thermo-physical property of the geological materials was first determined and analyzed. Hydraulic parameters were then measured for clastic rocks and solubility was analyzed for carbonates rocks. Then, hydrothermal potential was assessed for 36 geological formations in the investigated profile. Finally, several cases are studied to verify the proposed hydrothermal potential model. This study provides an insight on the exploration and exploitation of hydrothermal energy in the YPA which will contribute significantly to the sustainable development in the area