Physical characteristics, thermal structure, geothermal and carbon emission reduction potential of typical basins in Eastern China
Feng Ma , Gui-ling Wang , Wei Zhang , Xi Zhu , Hao-nan Gan , Guang-zhen Jiang , Chen Luo
China Geology ›› 2026, Vol. 9 ›› Issue (1) : 195 -213.
The geothermal resources in China are primarily found in its sedimentary basins, particularly in the large basins located in eastern China, which hold significant potential for geothermal energy development. The Songliao, North China, and Zhangzhou basins are of special interest due to their considerable exploration depths, extensive development history, and high levels of research activity. This study focuses on the three basins to analyze their thermal reservoir characteristics in eastern China. Between 2017 and 2023, the research team carried out a comprehensive analysis involving deep boreholes that exceeded 4000 m in depth within these three basins. They meticulously created detailed physical profiles that captured essential characteristics such as porosity, permeability, and thermal properties, reaching down to the basement of each basin. The findings indicated that variations in thermal conductivity within shallow geotechnical layers significantly influence the redistribution of deep thermal energy in the upper layers of the earth. Furthermore, differences in physical properties notably affect heat transport processes. The research proposes distinct heat models tailored for each basin: For the Songliao Basin, a low-permeability model with homogeneous thermal properties is constructed; for the North China Basin, high permeability and thermal conductivity layers are highlighted; and a fracture network controlling water and heat is presented in the Zhangzhou Basin. To elucidate the thermal structure of these basins, the Curie surface and Moho surface were analyzed. The shallow Curie surface indicates ongoing intense thermal activity stemming from crustal heat sources, while a shallow Moho surface signifies historical vigorous mantle thermal activity associated with mantle source heat production. Furthermore, the research evaluates the geothermal resources and the potential for carbon emission reduction in these basins. Total volume of exploitable geothermal fluid is estimated to be 76.9×109 m3/a, corresponding to an annual renewable geothermal energy 1.47×1016 kJ. The implementation of geothermal energy could lead to a reduction in annual CO2 emissions by nearly 2×109 t, which constitutes about 17.4% of China's national carbon emissions in 2022. This estimation provides invaluable theoretical insights and data support for geothermal exploration and sustainable development in eastern China.
Geothermal energy / Sedimentary basin type / Clean energy / Geophysical properties / Thermal conductivity / Heat generation rate / Power generation / Heating in winter / Carbon emission reduction / Geological survey engineering / Resource evaluation
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