Accelerating the Development of Geothermal Electric Generating Facilities in China

Abstract

The first geothermal power plant in China was built sometime during the 1970ís. Since that time, eleven demonstration geothermal power stations have been constructed, including: FengShun in GuangDong, Huailai Hebei, WenTang JiangXi, ZhaoYuan ShanDong, ReShuiCun XiangZhou Guangxi, HuiTang HuNan, XiongYue LiaoNing, Langjiu Tibet, YanBaJing Tibet, NaQu Tibet and QingShui Taiwan. The Yangajing in Tibet is the largest geothermal power plant and it provides an economic benefit as well as a positive social impact. All of these plants use low temperature geothermal resources with fluid temperatures less than 200?C. This paper provides a brief history of the progression of geothermal utilization in China and presents some practical recommendations that, if implemented, will accelerate geothermal development.