China is making waves in the renewable energy sector with the launch of its first ultra-deep geothermal exploration well, Fushenre-1. Spearheaded by Sinopec, one of the nation's leading oil refining and petrochemical giants, the project is set to reach an unprecedented depth of 5,200 meters on Monday, establishing a new national record.
The drilling operation commenced in September of last year in Haikou city, located in the south of China's island province, Hainan. Haikou sits atop one of the world's four major high-temperature geothermal belts along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region renowned for its intense volcanic activity and abundant deep geothermal resources. While China has primarily focused on developing shallow geothermal sources, Fushenre-1 marks a significant leap into high-temperature geothermal energy exploration at depths previously uncharted by the country.
Reaching down to 5,200 meters poses significant challenges due to the extreme temperatures and the abrasive nature of the geological strata. To overcome these obstacles, the exploration team employed advanced \"dual-drive drilling and high-pressure jetting\" technologies. Additionally, integrated composite impact accelerators were utilized to enhance drilling speed, while reinforced plugging techniques were implemented to prevent well collapse and leakage. High-temperature-resistant instruments and tools were chosen to withstand the harsh conditions, and meticulous precautions were taken to avoid drilling pipe sticking and environmental pollution, including noise and rock debris.
The successful deployment of these cutting-edge technologies not only sets a new benchmark for geothermal exploration in China but also underscores the country's commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio. The Fushenre-1 project is poised to unlock vast high-temperature geothermal resources, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions and reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
