The Geothermal and its Utilization in Liangxiang Geothermal Field, Beijing, China

Abstract

Liangxiang geothermal field, about 30km SW of the urban area of Beijing, is rich in low-temperature geothermal energy. Geologically, the area of Liangxiang is in the same graben as the urban geothermal field in Beijing. Geothermal water was first tapped in 1959 in the area, but its utilization only started in late 1970s. More than 20 geothermal wells, which are a few hundred meters to about 3000m deep, have been drilled for production since then. The temperature of the geothermal fluid is 40-72?C, and the annual production is about 100Mm3/yr from an area of 68 km2 in the geothermal field at present. The geothermal water, which is of low mineral content and is believed to have good effects on curing certain diseases, is used mainly for various direct purposes. The well with the highest temperature is in Nangong (north-eastern part of the geothermal field), and the geothermal water is used in a cascaded manner there, including space heating, domestic hot water, fish-farming, greenhouse, swimming pools. In the meantime, a world geothermal natural museum (including a hall for geothermal exhibition) has been planned and most parts of the facilities have been constructed. The industrialized geothermal development is bringing great economic and environment effects.