The Status and Trend Analysis of Geothermal Development and Utilization in China

Abstract

Based on historical review and status analysis of geothermal development in China, this paper attempts to discuss reasons of stagnant development of high temperature geothermal resources for electricity generation and quick development of low-medium temperature geothermal resources for direct utilization of the past decade. It is suggested that China should give more importance to the non-electrical utilization of low-medium temperature geothermal resources. Particularly, it should choose big and medium-sized cities with good resource potential in order to develop space heating and tourism. On the other hand, China should also concentrate on geothermal reinjection and the use of heat pumps so as to achieve success featured by environmentally friendly, highly efficient, and energy saving geothermal developments. This ensures the sustainable development of geothermal resources.