Looking Back and Ahead for Geothermal Energy Development in China

Abstract

The development process of geothermal research, exploration and utilization in China has been reviewed since 1949 when the Peopleís Republic of China was founded and especially since the policy of reform and opening to the outside world was adopted in 1978. An all-round and systematic summarization is made of the results attained in investigation, exploration and multipurpose utilization of geothermal energy resources. And the experiences are objectively discussed. In recent years, Chinaís geothermal exploration and utilization have undergone an especially quick advancement against the background of hi-tech development and the leading role played by the market-oriented economy. With the growing attention paid to the development of geothermal energy by the Government of China and the realization of geothermal projects assisted by UNDP and loaned by North European countries, and with the geothermal basic investigation and pre-stage geologic argumentation strengthened, major advancement has been gained. For example, (1) Hot spring maps on various scales and maps of geotemperatures at different depths (1,000 m, 2,000 m, 3,000 m) of China and major sedimentary basins on small scale have been compiled; (2) Due to new technology and new way applied to the integrated exploration of geothermal fields, efficiency in exploration is substantially enhanced; (3) Longdistance transportation proves to be a new way for the development and utilization of geothermal energy resources in the remote areas; (4) Uses of geothermal resources have been transformed from single purpose into multipurpose use systems. The paper also deals with the environmental problems arising from the large-scale geothermal development and the bright and promising perspectives in the future development of geothermal energy in China.