Geothermal Resources and Direct Use in the Area of Beijing

Abstract

The City of Beijing is rich with low-temperature geothermal resources, and the areas identified with geothermal potential have been over 2300km2, divided into 10 geothermal fields, including the one within the urban area and the one at Xiaotangshan. The geothermal reservoir is made of limestone or dolomite that is karsted. Geothermal explorations and large-scale geothermal development started in early 1970fs in Beijing, and there have been over 230 geothermal wells, producing about 107m3 geothermal water of 38-89Ž annually. The geothermal water, containing components good for human health, is used for various direct purposes, including space heating, bathing, green house, fish farming, spa and recreation, bringing great economical, environmental and social benefits. An international geothermal natural garden has been built in Nangong, southwest of the city, aiming to spread geothermal knowledge. Geothermal will also be used for the domestic hot water supply for the sports village of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The reservoir pressure of the most developed geothermal fields in Beijing is depressing, and threatening the sustainability of the geothermal development. Therefore, careful monitoring, detailed numerical modeling and reinjection should be carried out for the geothermal systems in Beijing.