Research on Formation Mechanisms of Hot Dry Rock Resources in China

• Published in: Acta geologica Sinica (Beijing) Vol. 90; no. 4; pp. 1418 - 1433
• Main Authors: Guiling, WANG, Wenjing, LIN, Wei, ZHANG, Chuan, LU, Feng, MA, Haonan, GAN
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Richmond Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.08.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc; Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
• Edition: English ed.
• Subjects: Basins; develop prospect; Drilling; drilling technique; Drying; Formations; Fossil fuels; genetic type; Geothermal resources; HDR resources; HDR技术; Reserves; Reservoirs; resources distribution; Rock; 中国; 地热资源; 干热岩; 开发利用; 机制; 科技成果转化; 高温钻井; China, People's Rep., Xizang; China, People's Rep., Guanzhong Basin; China, People's Rep; resources distribution; develop prospect; drilling technique; genetic type; HDR resources
• ISSN: 1000-9515; 1755-6724
• DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.12776

As an important geothermal resource, hot dry rock （HDR） reserves have been studied in many countries. HDR resources in China have huge capacity and have become one of the most important resources for the potential replacement of fossil fuels. However, HDR resources are difficult to develop and utilise. Technologies for use with HDR, such as high-temperature drilling, reservoir characterisation, reservoir fracturing, microseismic monitoring and high-temperature power stations, originate from the field of oil and drilling. Addressing how to take advantage of these developed technologies is a key factor in the development of HDR reserves. Based on the thermal crustal structure in China, HDR resources can be divided into four types： high radioactive heat production, sedimentary basin, modern volcano and the inner-plate active tectonic belt. The prospective regions of HDR resources are located in South Tibet, West Yunnan, the southeast coast of China, Bohai Rim, Songliao Basin and Guanzhong Basin. The related essential technologies are relatively mature, and the prospect of HDR power generation is promising. Therefore, analysing the formation mechanisms of HDR resources and promoting the transformation of technological achievements, large-scale development and the utilisation of HDR resources can be achieved in China.