Geothermal seen as part of solution for emission problems
Forbidden City, Beijing, China (source: flickr/ David Stanley, creative commons)
Francisco Rojas
19 May 2014
New projects are being approved by local governments yet, there is a long way ahead to promote geothermal as a green and viable source of energy in the country.
It is well known that with the impressive economic growth of China, there is also a huge demand for electricity. One of the feasible options is geothermal. According to the source, Chen Xiaoning, deputy head of the environment department under the Ministry of Land and Resources stated that “With the help of home-grown technology, we will use the clean energy more to produce electricity,”
China has been working with geothermal energy since the 1970’s. In 1977, Yangbajain geothermal power station, the biggest of its kind in China, was established in Tibet. The station is being upgraded to generate 7.2 million kwh of electricity annually for each unit, greatly slashing the use of standard coal and cutting carbon dioxide emissions.
In recent times, Four geothermal wells have been approved by housing authorities in north China’s TianjinBinhai New Area, which can provide heating for 300,000 square meters of floor space, said Wang Jiyang.
Geothermal energy can greatly decrease pollutants produced by burning coal, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Juliet Newson, president of the International Geothermal Association, said China’s fledgling geothermal industry is of great significance to the exploration of geothermal resources around the world.
As prevously reported in ThinkGeoEnergy, a national geothermal association will be established soon in the country. The association will focus on international academic exchanges and technological innovation, according to Newson.
Despite bright prospects, the industry is still pressed by problems, including high costs, little innovation, incomplete service systems and lagging research efforts, said Wang Bingchen. “The government should offer preferential policies to attract foreign investment, and explore how geothermal energy resources can help against pollution,” Wang suggested.
Source: China Daily Website
