Exploration, Development and Utilization of Geothermal Resources in Tibet

Abstract

There are 672 geothermal manifestation areas(spot) which have been observed. It is estimated that geothermal power potential are about 1,000MWe in Tibet, which being the first in China. Exploration of geothermal resources in Tibet initiated in 1976. Geological studies, geophysical exploration and drilling program have been carried out in 5 geothermal fields. Until 1993, geothermal power plant has been built in Yangbajing, Nagqu and Langjiu geothermal fields respectively with total installed capacity of 27.18MWe. Except electric power generation, geothermal energy has been used for medical bathing, heating of greenhouses, swimming pool and industrial uses. Up to now, medical bathing has become one of important utilization of geothermal energy in Tibet. Greenhouses with total areas of 12,000m2 and one outdoor swimming pool with area of 1,200m2 have been constructed in Yangbajing. Although development of geothermal resources is still limited by the difficult natural conditions and unadvanced technology, large power potential of geothermal resources, especially the discovery of deep geothermal reservoir with high enthalpy in northern Yangbajing demonstrate the wide perspective of development and utilization of geothermal energy in Tibet.