China makes geothermal resource breakthrough in South China

China's first deepest geothermal exploration well, Fushenre-1, has completed drilling in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 6, 2024. (Photo/China News Service)

(ECNS) -- China's first deepest geothermal exploration well, Fushenre-1, has completed drilling in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, marking a breakthrough in geothermal resource exploration, according to China Sinopec on Wednesday.

Fushenre-1 has reached a depth of 5,200 meters, setting a new record for the deepest geothermal exploration well in China. Researchers have discovered geothermal resources exceeding 188degrees Celsius in granite formed 250 million years agoat depths of 4,600 meters and 5,100 meters. They have completed rock compression, water injection and heat extraction, successfully preparing for deep geothermal exploration, extraction and utilization.

Drilling of the geothermal exploration well revealed that there are about 1.4 billion metric tons of standard coal resources within 50 square kilometers around Haikou City, said Guo Xusheng, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Geothermal energy is a stable and low-carbon form of renewable energy featuringlarge reserves, widespread distribution, clean and environmental protection.

Drilling on the exploration well started in August 2023.