Deep geothermal resources in China:Potential,distribution,exploitation,and utilization

Deep geothermal resources mainly refer to the thermal energy stored in subsurface rocks and fluids therein at a depth of 3-10 km,which is a kind of renewable and sustainable clean energy unaffected by weather and seasonal changes.Large scale exploitation of the deep geothermal resources is of great significance to ensuring national energy security and achieving the“Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality”.Based on the latest terrestrial heat flow data,this paper estimated the potential of deep geothermal resources in the terrestrial areas of China,and the results show that the total amount of geothermal resources within 3e10 km under the Earth's surface in the terrestrial areas of China is 24.6×10^(15)GJ.In line with climate zones categorized,the geothermal resource proportion is 43.81%for severe cold regions,29.19%for cold regions,6.92%for mild regions,13.82%for hot summer and cold winter regions,and 6.26%for hot summer and warm winter regions.Statistics according to the burial depth range reveal that the resources within depth ranges of 3-5 km,5-7 km and 7-10 km under the Earth's surface are 4.3119×10^(15)GJ,6.37674×10^(15)GJ and 13.89594×10^(15)GJ respectively,showing an increasing trend of geothermal potential with increasing burial depth.The deep geothermal resources are mainly of medium-to-high temperature reserves,and the energy supply strategy can be optimized by combining the climate conditions and population distribution,as well as considering power generation.In regions of cold or severe cold climate,the geothermal resources may be applied to geothermal power generation and district heating in combination;in regions of hot summer and cold winter or mild climates,the resources can be used for geothermal power generation combined with cooling and heating;in regions of hot summer and warm winter climates,the resources may be applied to geothermal power generation combined with cooling and industrial and agricultural utilization.Exploitation of deep geothermal resources also can be combined with carbon dioxide sequestration,multi-mineral resources extraction and energy storage to realize comprehensive exploitation and utilization of various energy resources.It is suggested that theoretical technology research should be combined with pilot tests and field demonstrations,and large-scale economic exploitation of deep geothermal resources should be arranged in a coordinated manner,following the principles of overall planning and step-by-step implementation.

Geochemical genesis of geothermal waters from the Longling hydrothermal area, Yunnan, Southwestern China

Longling is characterized by a wide distribution of hydrothermal areas, among which the Banglazhang hydrothermal system is the most geothermally active. Banglazhang is marked by intensive hydrothermal activities including hot springs, geysers, fumaroles and hydrothermal explosions. The geothermal waters from the Longling region are mainly HCO3-Na type with low but comparable SO4 and Cl concentrations. Calculations based on a variety of chemical geothermometers and a K-Ca geobarometer indicate that the Banglazhang hydrothermal system has much higher subsurface temperature and CO2 pressure compared to the other systems such as Daheba, Dazhulin and Huangcaoba. However, geothermal water samples collected from all these alternative hydrothermal areas are either partially equilibrated with reservoir minerals or are immature. The silica-enthalpy relationships of Banglazhang geothermal waters indicate the presence of a deep geothermal fluid with an enthalpy value and silica concentration of 945 J/g（up to around 220 °C） and 339 mg/L. Our work indicates the Banglazhang area is a promising source in terms of long-term utilization of hydrothermal resources.

CO_(2)Plume Geothermal(CPG)Systems for Combined Heat and Power Production:an Evaluation of Various Plant Configurations

CO_(2) Plume Geothermal(CPG)systems are a promising concept for utilising petrothermal resources in the context of a future carbon capture utilisation and sequestration economy.Petrothermal geothermal energy has a tremendous worldwide potential for decarbonising both the power and heating sectors.This paper investigates three potential CPG configurations for combined heating and power generation(CHP).The present work examines scenarios with reservoir depths of 4 km and 5 km,as well as required district heating system(DHS)supply temperatures of 70℃ and 90℃.The results reveal that a two-staged serial CHP concept eventuates in the highest achievable net power output.For a thermosiphon system,the relative net power reduction by the CHP option compared with a sole power generation system is significantly lower than for a pumped system.The net power reduction for pumped systems lies between 62.6%and 22.9%.For a thermosiphon system with a depth of 5 km and a required DHS supply temperature of 70℃,the achievable net power by the most beneficial CHP option is even 9.2%higher than for sole power generation systems.The second law efficiency for the sole power generation concepts are in a range between 33.0%and 43.0%.The second law efficiency can increase up to 63.0%in the case of a CHP application.Thus,the combined heat and power generation can significantly increase the overall second law efficiency of a CPG system.The evaluation of the achievable revenues demonstrates that a CHP application might improve the economic performance of both thermosiphon and pumped CPG systems.However,the minimum heat revenue required for compensating the power reduction increases with higher electricity revenues.In summary,the results of this work provide valuable insights for the potential development of CPG systems for CHP applications and their economic feasibility.