Distribution characteristics and utilization of shallow geothermal energy in China

This paper summarized the shallow geothermal resources within a depth of 200 m in China. This geothermal resource is divided into five regions based on the geological structures, geomorphology, geology, and hydrogeology. The recoverable amount of shallow geothermal energy (SGE) is equivalent to 7 × 1012 kg of standard coal in a survey area of 1.69 × 105 km2, 60% of which is distributed in the mid-eastern region of China. SGE is mainly used for building heating and cooling via ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology since 1990s. The coefficient of performance (COPs) of the GSHP system exhibits large regional differences, and the energy utilizing efficiencies of GSHP systems are not high. The utilization rate of SGE is still low compared with those of other forms of renewable energy. Some measures, including a standardized and simplified management system, a feasible evaluation and utilization plan, modified technology and standards, an intelligence environmental impact assessment, and intelligence monitoring, can be considered to enhance the utilization efficiency of SGE.