Advantageous Conditions and Recommendation for the Development of Geothermal Industry in Western China

Abstract

The exploitation of geothermal resources is of great significance in achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. The rapid development of the geothermal industry has been occurring in the eastern region of China in recent years. However, due to economic, population, and transportation constraints, geothermal resource utilization is still low in the western region, and the geothermal development process could be more active. It has been demonstrated in this study that vigorous geothermal development in the west is essential for the formation of a new pattern of western development, the construction of the Green Silk Road, and the development of high-quality urban clusters within the west. Multiple favorable conditions and advantages contribute to the development of the geothermal industry in the western region, including abundant geothermal resources, reasonable matching of the market demand, and strong financial and tax policies. Consequently, there is a need for clarification regarding the distribution of geothermal resources in the western region and a need to encourage large-scale development and utilization of these resources. There should be an increase in geothermal demonstration projects in the western region, starting at three levels: high-temperature geothermal, medium-to-low-temperature hydrothermal, and shallow geothermal. In addition, relevant enterprises should establish new energy organizations and management agencies in the western region, and coordination and development of talent teams should be enhanced.