China has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of renewable energy with the completion of its deepest geothermal exploration well, Fushenre-1, located in the southern island province of Hainan. On Wednesday, the well was declared ready for utilization, marking a groundbreaking step in harnessing underground renewable energy to advance the nation’s carbon reduction goals.
Reaching an impressive depth of 5,200 meters, Fushenre-1 penetrates a granite formation that is approximately 250 million years old. Within this ancient geological structure, a geothermal resource with temperatures exceeding 188 degrees Celsius has been discovered. This high-temperature resource presents substantial potential for renewable energy development in the region.
“Geothermal energy is a stable, low-carbon form of renewable energy with large reserves and widespread distribution,” said Guo Xusheng, chief geologist of Sinopec, China’s state-owned energy firm. “The successful completion and utilization of Fushenre-1 represent a significant advancement in our ability to explore and develop high-temperature geothermal resources.”
Following successful drilling in April, Sinopec managed to fracture the rock formations, inject cold water, and extract heat from the well. These technological breakthroughs have positioned Fushenre-1 to become a research platform for the industrial transformation and utilization of high-temperature geothermal resources.
Prior to this development, the utilization of geothermal resources in China primarily focused on shallow and medium-depth wells. Sinopec has already established nearly 100 million square meters of geothermal heating capacity and has constructed several regional geothermal heating projects. The successful operation of Fushenre-1 signifies China’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio and reducing carbon emissions.
The readiness of Fushenre-1 for utilization not only highlights China’s technological prowess but also its dedication to sustainable energy development. As the nation continues to explore and harness geothermal energy, it sets a precedent for other countries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to cleaner energy sources.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
