China's pursuit of sustainable energy has reached a new milestone with the completion of Fushenre-1, the country's deepest geothermal exploration well. Located in the southern island province of Hainan, this well delves an impressive 5,200 meters into a granite formation that is a staggering 250 million years old.
Fushenre-1 has revealed geothermal resources with temperatures exceeding 188 degrees Celsius, signaling a promising advancement in the region's renewable energy potential. This discovery is not just a testament to China's commitment to carbon reduction but also highlights the vast, untapped energy reserves that lie beneath the earth's surface.
Guo Xusheng, chief geologist of Sinopec, China’s state-owned energy firm, emphasized the significance of geothermal energy, describing it as a stable, low-carbon form of renewable energy with extensive reserves and widespread distribution. Following the successful drilling in April, Sinopec expertly fractured the rock, injected cold water, and began extracting heat, setting the stage for the well’s utilization.
What sets Fushenre-1 apart is its potential to serve as a research platform for the industrial transformation of high-temperature geothermal resources. Prior to this, China's geothermal efforts primarily focused on shallow and medium-depth wells. Sinopec’s accomplishments include nearly 100 million square meters of geothermal heating capacity and the construction of several regional geothermal heating projects, laying a robust foundation for future ventures.
As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, China's advancements in geothermal energy showcase the nation's role in leading the charge towards a greener future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
