In a significant advancement for renewable energy, researchers have identified promising deep geothermal resources in the Rongchang–Dazu region of western Chongqing, China. This area, situated in the eastern Sichuan Basin, is already recognized for its seismic activity and is surrounded by productive carbonate gas fields from the Sinian–Cambrian geological formations. The study, led by Xiaochuan Wu from the National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Shale Gas Exploration and Development, highlights the potential for harnessing geothermal energy in a region that has seen limited practical development despite its rich geological data.
The research reveals that the Rongchang–Dazu area exhibits relatively high heat flow values and geothermal gradients, which are crucial for power generation. Specifically, the Longwangmiao Formation, which reaches depths of 4,000 to 4,500 meters, shows temperatures exceeding 140 °C. Meanwhile, the Dengying Formation, located deeper at 5,000 to 5,500 meters, is characterized as a dry-hot rock resource, with temperatures over 150 °C. These findings indicate that the region could serve as a viable site for geothermal energy extraction, offering a clean and renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Xiaochuan Wu emphasizes the economic viability of developing these geothermal resources, stating, “The dynamic investment payback period is significantly shorter than the estimated 30-year life of a geothermal power plant.” With an estimated flow rate of 100 kg/s, the potential installed capacity for a geothermal facility in the area could reach approximately 6.7 megawatts (MW). This presents a compelling opportunity for energy companies to invest in geothermal power generation, particularly in a municipality like Chongqing that is in urgent need of high-temperature geothermal resources to address its power supply shortages.
The study also highlights the potential for integrating geothermal energy into existing oil and gas infrastructure, which can reduce development costs significantly. By utilizing existing drilling and transportation networks, companies can capitalize on the geothermal potential without incurring the high costs typically associated with developing new energy sources.
Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of understanding the relationship between geological factors, such as basement faults and seismic activity, and geothermal heat flow. This insight could guide future exploration and development efforts, ensuring that geothermal resources are harnessed safely and efficiently.
Published in the journal “Energies,” this study not only sheds light on the geothermal potential of the Sichuan Basin but also opens new avenues for sustainable energy development in China. As the world increasingly turns towards renewable energy sources, the findings from this research could play a pivotal role in shaping the future energy landscape in the region.
