April 2000

By Liz Battocletti and Zheng Li Bob Lawrence & Associates, Inc.
Bob Lawrence & Associates, Inc.

Prepared for Idaho National Engineering

 & Environmental Laboratory

Under Purchase Order No. F99-181039

And the U.S. Department of Energy,

Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency

 & Renewable Energy,

Office of Geothermal & Wind Technologies

Under DOE Idaho Operations Office

Contract DE-AC07-99ID13727

April 2000

By Liz Battocletti and Zheng Li
Geothermal Resources in China April 2000

This information was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the U.S. Government. Neither the U.S.

Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any

legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or

process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific

commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily

constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Government or any agency thereof. The

views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Government or any

agency thereof.

Disclaimer
Geothermal Resources in China April 2000

INTRODUCTION .................................. 1

CHINA ........................................... 3

Power Profile ................................. 3

Power Summary .............................. 3

Government / Legislation ........................ 6

Maps

Political, 1996 ......................... 17

Shaded Relief, 1996 ..................... 18

China Administration .................... 19

Geothermal Systems in China .............. 20

Table

Geothermal Resources > 150oC and Sites

with Power Plant(s) in China ............... 21

Geothermal Sites / Projects ..................... 26

TAIWAN ........................................ 58

Power Profile ................................ 58

Power Summary ............................. 58

Government / Legislation ....................... 59

Map

Shaded Relief, 1992 ..................... 64

Geothermal Sites / Projects ..................... 65

CONCLUSION ................................... 71

INDEX OF SITES ................................. 72

BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................. 74

Table of Contents
Geothermal Resources in China 1

The Database of Geothermal Resources in China

contains information on 254 specific geothermal sites in

the People’s Republic of China and 8 sites in Taiwan:

Country Sites Potentia

l

MWe

Potential

MWt

People’s Republic

of China

254 1588.18 573

Taiwan 8 130 N/A *

Totals 262 1718.18 573

* N/A - Not available

Actual figures are higher as specific potential data is not

available for all sites. 

The Database focuses on mainland China and Taiwan. 

Hong Kong and Macau, which reverted to Chinese

sovereignty on July 1, 1997 and December 20, 1999

respectively, have no cited geothermal resources. It was

compiled using data collected in an extensive

information sweep which accessed technical literature

dating back to 1979 as well as numerous other U.S. ,

Chinese, and Taiwanese sources. 

China has 3,000 hot springs. This paper report focuses

on 46 sites in China which have a measured or

geothermometric temperature of 150oC of more, and thus

may be suitable for power generation; sites where power

plants have been installed across China; and all 8 sites in

Taiwan. For immediate dissemination to the industry, it

has been converted to a PDF file.1 The Microsoft®

Access 2000 Database itself contains data on all 262

low-, medium-, and high-enthalpy sites on which

information was collected. 

The Database includes:

• Power Profile - basic information on China and

Taiwan, e.g., population, installed capacity, power

generation breakdown, electricity prices, etc.;

1 PDF files can be read and printed using the free

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader which can be

downloaded at http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/

acrobat/readstep.html).

Introduction
Geothermal Resources in China 2

• Power Summary - brief description of China’s and

Taiwan’s power sectors and privatization efforts; 

• Government / Legislation - relevant Chinese and

Taiwanese government agencies and laws; and 

• Geothermal Sites / Projects - includes a Site

Summary for each:

1. Name

2. Location

3. Status

4. Temperature

5. Installed Capacity (MWe/MWt)

6. Potential (MWe/MWt)

7. Chronology

8. Notes

Dynamic Database

The Database was designed to be dynamic. Created

using Microsoft® Access 2000, it can be easily updated

or modified to include specific data which the industry

would find most useful. In addition, the Database can be

made more comprehensive by adding pertinent data, e.g.,

local population and market data, location of

transmission lines and roads, etc., using the Geographic

Information System (GIS) to the present structure. 

Finally, the Database could be adapted for posting on the

World Wide Web and searched using a variety of

variables such as country, desired temperature of

resource, estimated power potential, and other

parameters. 

The Database of Geothermal Resources in China was

compiled and built by Liz Battocletti and Zheng Li of

Bob Lawrence & Associates, Inc. for Bechtel BWXT

Idaho, L.L.C. (BBWI) under Purchase Order Number

F99-181039, “Collection and Assembly of Published

Data on Geothermal Potential.” 

Special appreciation goes to Joel Renner of Idaho

National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

(INEEL); Allan Jelacic and Marshall Reed of the U.S.

Department of Energy’s Office of Geothermal and Wind

Technologies; and the other individuals, companies, and

organizations who provided assistance and information. 

The photograph on the cover is a geothermal area in

Tengchong County, Yunnan Province. The photo is

reproduced from a study, Geothermal Area in Tengchong

Yunnan Province, published by the Yunnan Provincial

Science and Technology Commission in February 1996. 
Geothermal Resources in China 3

China

Power Profile

Population (millions) - July 1999 estimated 1,246.87

Overall Electrification (% of population) 94.8%

GDP (billion US$) - 1998 estimated $4,420

Real GDP Growth Rate - 1998 estimated 7.8%

Inflation Rate (CPI) - 1998 -0.8%

Total Installed Capacity (MWe) - 1998 300,000

Electricity Consumption per Capita (kWh) - 1997 846.29

Energy Demand Growth Rate 4.5%

Prices (US¢/kWh) - 1999 - Beijing

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

3.7

6.2

4.1

China is divided into 23 provinces (China considers

Taiwan the 23rd), five autonomous regions, and three

municipalities. 

Power Summary

With 1.25 billion people, the People’s Republic of China

is the world’s most populous country and second largest

energy consumer (after the United States). If past trends

continue, China’s economy will become the largest in the

world in this century. 

Despite a sharp decline in 1998 partly as a result of the

Asian financial crisis, energy demand has doubled since

1980 and could triple in the next 20 years (U.S.

Department of Commerce, 2000). Yet approximately 65

million Chinese do not have access to electricity2, and

one-third of households in China are not yet connected

to electricity grids (Blackman and Wu, 1997). Per capita

electricity consumption is low. The country has a glut of

electricity in the coastal areas, but transmission systems

2 Remarks by Dongrong Ye, Beijing Jike Energy

New Technology Development Co. at the U.S.-

China Renewable Energy Forum; April 20, 2000;

Arlington, VA.

China
Geothermal Resources in China 4

and development in the interior, particularly in the

western part of the country, require continued

investment.

The power sector is undertaking large-scale technical

renovations designed to control pollution, increase

financial returns, and guarantee safe operations. 

Generating units which are 25 years old and up are being

renovated. The goals are to improve the capacity of the

units to meet peak power demands, improve security,

reduce energy consumption, and protect the

environment. 

Currently, China’s electric power industry is

experiencing an oversupply problem, due in part to

slower Chinese economic growth as a result of the Asian

economic crisis. 

As of the end of 1998, China had an installed capacity of

approximately 300 GWe of which 75% was thermal, 23%

hydroelectric, less than 2% nuclear, and the balance

renewable and other. China is expected to double its

installed capacity to 600 GWe by 2015, adding an

estimated 300 GWe of generating capacity over the next

15 years. China’s ambitious energy program will require

$200-300 billion in capital investment. Much of the

technical expertise and capital are expected to come

from foreign sources. 

China faces numerous challenges in meeting its energy

needs:

• relatively high energy intensity;

• extreme air pollution (five of the world’s

10 most polluted cities are in China);

• a resource base far from consumption

centers resulting in the need to expand the

pipeline and distribution network; 

• large and inefficient state-owned

enterprises (SOEs) which still dominate the

energy sector;

• 60-80 million people in rural areas with no

access to electricity;

• rising oil imports;

• an inefficient and relatively unconnected

electric grid resulting in generation losses

of 20%; and

• the need to mobilize investment estimated

at US$1 trillion from now until 2020 for

energy expansion, of which 20% will come

from foreign investment (U.S. Department

of Commerce, 2000).

China’s energy strategy is designed to address these

challenges by decreasing reliance on coal, increasing

petroleum exploration and development, enhancing

efficiency and environmental protection, increasing

development of hydro and nuclear power, and

developing rural electrification and renewable energy
Geothermal Resources in China 5

resources. This energy strategy is being implemented

against a backdrop of the major restructuring of

government and state entities, a process which was

launched in March 1998 and is still evolving (U.S.

Department of Commerce, 2000).

China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of

coal which is presently the country’s predominant source

of energy, accounting for 75% of the energy for power

generation. Coal will remain critical to China’s energy

mix for the next 50 years, Environmental impacts from

the use of coal with current Chinese technology are

severe. If China’s economy continues to grow at the rate

it has since 1980— approximately 10% per year — it

will pass the United States to become the leading source

of CO2 emissions by 2050. 

The Chinese Government has recognized the problem of

environmental impacts resulting from energy

development, and has developed a strategy for future

sustainable development, involving the widespread use

of Clean Coal Technologies and increased development

of oil, natural gas, and coal bed methane resources.

Natural gas’s share of total energy production is

expected to grow to about 4.1% by 2015, as China begins

to take greater advantage of its large domestic reserves

(China has an estimated 26 trillion cubic meters of

natural gas resources). 

Although China’s exploitable hydro reserves, estimated

at 380 GWe, are considered the world’s largest, they are

presently too expensive to develop. By one estimate,

only 10% have been developed (Tunnah 1994; Dorian,

1995). The bulk of China’s hydro reserves are located in

the western and southern regions (Blackman and Wu,

1997).

The Three Gorges project on the Yangtze River involves

construction of the world’s largest dam, with 26

hydropower generating units (700 MWe each) slated to

provide a total of 18 GWe generating capacity by 2009. 

China currently has more than 50,000 small hydropower

stations scattered across the country. 

As for wind power, China has identified sites with a total

potential of 3,000-8,000 MWe. Over 200,000 mini and

small wind generators have been installed in households

in mountain areas, remote rural areas, and islands. 

Current financial returns on wind farm development are

too low to attract large-scale utility or independent

power producer (IPP) investment (Taylor and Bogach,

1998).

High-temperature geothermal resources are primarily

located in Tibet, western Yunnan, and western Sichuan

provinces — remote areas where conventional energy is

limited, and the population is low. Small geothermal

plants have played and will continue to play an

important role in those areas (Ren et al., 1995). 
Geothermal Resources in China 6

Estimates of power generation potential range from 200-

500 MWe (Allis et al., 1996) to over 10,000 MWe

(Zhijie, 1997). 

With support from the World Bank, the United Nations

Development Programme (UNDP), and foreign

governments, China is promoting the widespread

commercialization of renewable energy technologies,

primarily wind and solar. 

UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have

launched the “Capacity Building for the Rapid

Commercialization of Renewable Energy” program. In

addition to helping create the Chinese Renewable Energy

Industries Association (CREIA), the program will also

activities in business development and financing,

standards and certifications, renewable resource

database and GIS development, technical assistance for

wind power development, and study tours. The $26.7-

million program focuses on biogas, wind, photovoltaics

(PV), and bagasse co-generation. 

The $444-million World Bank Renewable Energy

Development Project supports the development of the

two most promising renewable energy technologies,

grid-connected windfarms and solar PV for rural

applications. Specifically, the project will provide 10

MWp of PV systems to households and institutions in

remote areas of six northwestern provinces, and 190

MWe of grid-connected windfarms in Inner Mongolia,

Hebei, Fujian, and Shanghai provinces. 

The U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) supports the

export of U.S. goods and services for projects involving

renewable energy and energy efficient technologies to

China through the $100-million Clean Energy Program

facility. Projects eligible for inclusion are: wind, solar,

and geothermal technologies; industrial co-generation:

energy efficient buildings; and low NOx and SOx

burners. Financing is available for commercial projects

with competitive financing rates. The State Planning

Commission must approve the project; the China

Development Bank is the borrower. 

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)

suspended its programs in China following the

Tiananmen incident in June 1989, and will remain

suspended in China subject to U.S. foreign policy

concerns, the terms of the sanctions legislation enacted,

and improvements in worker rights conditions.

Government / Legislation

Nicknamed the “Power Tiger” because it could act as it

pleased, despite customer complaints, China’s power

sector has been, and continues to be, under State control. 

Although China’s energy sector is currently being
Geothermal Resources in China 7

“corporatized,”3 the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) still

dominates the entire political apparatus, and its leaders

make all major policy decisions. 

Party members hold most senior government positions at

all levels of administration. Ministries and lower-level

counterparts implement policy on a day-to-day basis,

and China’s parliament, the National People’s Congress

(NPC), reviews and approves legislation and nominees

for government offices. 

Many provincial governments — especially those in

fast-growing coastal regions— actively adapt central

government policy decisions to suit local needs. Senior

leaders generally agree on the need for further economic

reform, but stability is still a paramount concern, and

there remain differences within the leadership over the

content, pace, and goals of reform.

Beginning in the mid-1980s, the Chinese government

implemented a number of structural and pricing reforms

in the power sector, halting its practice of giving direct

investment “grants” to power projects in favor of

granting loans through banks and other financial

institutions. Replacing the practice of exclusive central

government funding led to expanded domestic (local

government, industrial sector, and enterprise) and

foreign funding of power projects. The government

furthermore allowed projects to price electric power to

reflect the cost of financing. The government took

further steps in 1997 to reform electricity pricing (Wang,

1999).

Generation is being separated from transmission and

distribution, and proposed new generation is expected to

yield an adequate return on investment (Hood and Sweet,

1999). The operation of power plants and distribution

will be separated by 2010.

Central government agencies that are involved in

developing and implementing China’s energy and

renewable energy are:

• State Power Corporation of China (SPC or

SPCC)

• State Development Planning Commission

(SDPC)

• State Economic and Trade Commission

(SETC)

• Ministry of Science and Technology

(MOST)

• Ministry of Geology and Mineral

Resources (MGMR)

• Ministry of Agriculture (MOA)

3 Government officials are reluctant to use the

word “privatize” given the critical role the State is

supposed to play in all industrial activities; the

term “corporatize” is more readily acknowledged

(Dorian, 1998). 
Geothermal Resources in China 8

Coordination between these groups is good. Not as

effective is the coordination among the wide variety of

research institutions and government agencies at the

provincial and local levels.

State Power Corporation of China (SPC or SPCC)

SPC was established as a corporation solely owned by

the State Council in 1995-96 to handle the business

functions formerly situated in the Ministry of Power

Industry (Mopi). Modeled after France’s Electricité de

France and the State Corporation of Italy, the semiautonomous SPC supervises electricity generation,

transmission, and distribution. SPC also solicits foreign

investment and engages in international cooperation. 

SPC is responsible for long-term planning, including

five-year plans, development of new capital projects, and

project financing and approval. It must approve and

finance, in general, any large project involving more

than $10 million worth of investment (Dorian, 1998).

SPC’s primary functions are to invest in, build, and

operate power projects; serve as monopoly operator of

China’s power transmission and distribution system until

at least 2010; and implement the “unified dispatching of

power grids.” SPC is in effect a giant power-producing

utility, comparable in scope and even technical

sophistication to Electricité de France or Hydro Québec

(Sweet and Bretz, 1999). SPC operates and manages 140

GWe of installed capacity (Dorian, 1998). 

The creation of SPC was the first step in China’s “FourStep Strategy for Power Industry Management

Restructuring”4:

• Phase I (1997-1998) – Structural

separation of business and governmental

functions. Creation of SPC. Elimination of

the Ministry of Electric Power.

• Phase II (1998-2000) – SPC establishes

new nationwide infrastructure. Continued

separation of business and government

functions.

• Phase III (2001-2010) – Unification of the

nationwide grid. Moving to single buyer

model5 (producers compete on price to sell

4 The reformed structure discussed is the intended

structure. Both governmental and business

functions largely still remain with the old

Ministry of Electric Power personnel, who are

now mostly part of the new SPC (Wang, 1999).

5

In the “single-buyer,” generation competition

stage, SPC, which produces more than one-third

of China’s total power output, will be in

competition with IPPs. In times of surplus, SPC as
Geothermal Resources in China 9

to the grid). SPC manages the grid. 

Generation component to be unbundled

from transmission and distribution

(“networks shall be separated from power

plants, [and an] orderly competed (sic)

power market shall open to all power

plants”) (Wang, 1999). 

• Phase IV (2010-2020) – Achievement of

market system “approximate to

international advanced level.” Grid

management transferred from SPC to

government side.

State Development Planning Commission (SDPC)

SDPC, formerly known as the State Planning

Commission, formulates the National Economic

Development Plan, the Five-Year Plan, and the National

Long-Term Program. SDPC also approves all project

investments. The Department of Basic Industries under

SDPC is responsible for energy and electric power

development strategy, medium and long-term planning,

and overall planning for large energy projects. 

The Foreign Capital Utilization Department approves

joint ventures and foreign-funded projects in China, and

allows the conversion of Chinese currency into hard

currency.

The Department of Product Pricing Management

approves electricity prices. The Department of Price

Supervision is responsible for enforcement of approved

prices.

According to a senior SDPC official, China is paying

close attention to geothermal energy resources and plans

to build medium-sized geothermal power plants in the

southwestern part of the country. The power plants will

be built in Tibet and western parts of Yunnan and

Sichuan provinces by 2020. Priority will be given to

geothermal resources in Yangbajian which have

reservoir temperatures of over 200oC. The country will

build smaller plants of 3-5 MWe in Ruili in western

Yunnan province. Geothermal resources in Tengchong

will be studied (Xinhua, 1998). 

State Economic and Trade Commission (SETC)

SETC’s responsibilities in the electric power industry

include power sector planning, industry policy

formulation, approval of sectoral standard, drafting of

laws and regulations, general industry supervision, and

improving rural electricity supply. In addition, SETC

approves technology transfer projects.

grid operator, could favor electricity

produced by its own facilities even if it is

not the lowest cost provider (Wang,

1999).
Geothermal Resources in China 10

The Energy Division of the Energy Conservation and

Comprehensive Utilization Department formulates the

Government of China’s (GOC) renewable energy policies

and regulations. This division promotes new renewable

energy development and organizes environmental

protection development and projects associated with

environmental protection. In addition, the division

controls millions of Yuan Renminbi (RMB) to be used for

loans towards renewable energy project development.

Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)

Formerly known as the State Science and Technology

Commission (SSTC), MOST oversees national science

and technology research projects. The High and New

Technology Development and Industrialization

Department is responsible for regulating and organizing

science and renewable energy technology projects. 

MOST and SDPC jointly formulate the Five-Year Plan for

science and technology. MOST also organizes and

implements renewable energy research projects and

promotes its technological institutions. 

Through its National Geothermal Development Center,

MOST administers all research activities related to

geothermal resources, and is also responsible for

prioritizing prospective resource development activities

and relaying this information to the Ministry of Geology

and Mineral Resources, Beijing University, the Chinese

Academy of Sciences, and Tianjin University have

executed research projects for SSTC. 

Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources (MGMR)

Geothermal resource development activities, e.g.,

drilling, production tests, interference tests, are MGMR’s

responsibility. In addition to the central organization,

there are also province- and county-level geology and

mineral bureaus.

Ministry of Agriculture (MOA)

The Energy Division of MOA, which oversees rural

environmental and electrification issues, grants 10

million Yuan RMB (approximately US$1,200,000) each

year to support renewable energy technology

dissemination and demonstration projects, with emphasis

on biomass and solar/thermal technologies. 

China first allowed foreign investment in the power

industry in 1984. Foreign investment accounts from 10-

20% of the industry’s total investment, according to the

State Power Corporation, attracting $20.7 billion since

1984. 

Since 1993, the Chinese Government has made

significant strides in opening the power sector to foreign

investment, technological assistance, and global trade. 
Geothermal Resources in China 11

Several central government laws, policies, and

regulations affect energy and renewable energy

development throughout China. Many provinces have

their own incentives and laws in addition to those

enacted by the government in Beijing. 

Electricity Law – April 1996

China’s Electricity Law provides a comprehensive legal

framework for the development of the country’s power

industry. It supports the role of foreign investment and

addresses direct investment in power plants through joint

ventures or foreign-owned companies, and ensures that

investments are in line with China’s national industrial

policies and long-term economic development plans.

The Law also stipulates that electricity prices shall

reasonably compensate for production costs and rates of

return and take into account applicable taxes. The law

does not provide any guidance on what constitutes a

reasonable rate of return. Pricing for electricity in rural

areas will be determined on the basis of cost recovery

plus a minimal level of profit.6

The GOC has made favorable policies in China’s

Electricity Law for purchasing power from renewable

energy projects. The following provisions are stated:

• Provisions 5, 48: Renewable energy is

strongly encouraged by the state.

• Provision 22: Stipulates that the state

power utility, which is in charge of the

local power grid, must purchase electricity

generated by IPPs.

• Provision 36: Stipulates that the price paid

for electricity should cover the cost to

produce the electricity and that the returns

should be reasonable in order to promote

electric power development.

Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law

China encourages foreign investors to be involved in the

construction of infrastructure projects by using such

methods as BOT and project financing.

The present regulations in China allow for either foreign

ownership of up to 49% or 100% of share capital of a

BOT company. This regulation prevents any foreign

investor from having a controlling share in the project

company unless it owns 100% of the BOT enterprise. 

Under such a ruling, many potential foreign investors

6 The GOC imposes (though not officially) a

ceiling on the return on equity to power projects

of 15-18% (Dorian, 1998). There are ways of

getting around this “invisible cap on returns” but

it usually involves more time and bureaucracy

(Vaupen, 1999).
Geothermal Resources in China 12

have been reluctant to consider undertaking large BOT

projects because of the limited control they would enjoy

(Dorian, 1998). 

The application of BOT in China is carried out stage by

stage. The procedures for establishing a BOT project are

as follows: 

• The project sponsor prepares the project

proposal, and submits it, using the required

procedures, for project approval;

• Once the project is approved, the

government authority sponsoring the

project organizes or entrusts an agency to

prepare the bid invitation documents

including the concession agreement, and

continuing with the bid invitation and

submission activities for selecting the

foreign partner;

• The concession agreement as approved by

the government body sponsoring the

project is attached to the project feasibility

study report prepared by the selected

bidder and the appraisal report by the bid

selection committee;

• Once the project concession agreement is

approved, the bid winner7 must, within the

required period, establish the project

company in accordance with procedures

specified in the law governing foreign

investment; and

• The government authority shall officially

sign the concession agreement with the

project company, and the agreement will be

effective immediately upon being signed.

All foreign investment projects must be approved by the

Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade

(MOFERT) and the State Administration of Exchange

Control (SAEC). Projects smaller than 150 MWe or

costing less than $30 million more can bypass central

government approval. SDPC must approve all BOT

projects over $30 million; the State Council must

approve those exceeding $100 million.

Ninth Five-Year Plan (1996-2000)

In the Ninth Five-Year Plan (1996-2000), China adopted

several ambitious national programs including the

7 The practice of BOT in China is conducted

through competitive conditional bidding. Once

the project proposal is approved, the bidding

procedure begins.
Geothermal Resources in China 13

“Brightness Program,” “Integrated and Comprehensive

Rural Electrification,” “Energy Efficient Lighting,” and

“Riding the Wind Program.” In addition, China is

implementing the Energy Conservation Law which was

adopted by the People’s Congress on November 1, 1997.

All of those programs and policies are designed to use

efficiency and renewable energy as a means of reducing

energy intensity (the energy used to produce a unit of

Gross Domestic Product) and provide least-cost

electricity to remote areas, thus curtailing environmental

damage (Protocol Progress Report, 1999). During the

Ninth Five-Year Plan, 90% of rural Chinese homes will

reportedly have electricity. 

Tenth Five-Year Plan (2001-2005)

In the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2001-2005), China will pay

great attention to developing renewable energy,

especially on improving its conversion efficiency,

cutting production costs, and increasing its share in

national energy construction. In particular, China will

implement the “Strategy Plan for Developing the West

Area of China.” Renewable energy will have an

important role to play in bringing electricity to this

sparsely populated region of China (Shi, 2000). 

The Tenth Five-year Plan’s objective vis-a-vis

geothermal is, by 2005 to:

• have geothermal energy, including power

generation and direct use, account for 1

million tons of Mtce (million tons of coal

equivalent, equal to 0.12276 TWh of

electricity); 

• build a 10 MWe geothermal demonstration

plant in Tengchong County; and 

• develop geothermal heat pump technology

from application to commercialization.

“Same Grid, Same Price”

China experimented with energy price reform in

controlled stages for much of the 1980s and early 1990s. 

The GOC often used a multi-tiered pricing system – one

for energy production within the state plan; another,

higher level for production which exceeded state plans. 

More extensive reforms in the early 1990s resulted in

rapidly rising energy prices. 

Regional overcapacity, common in the late 1990s,

resulted in some power purchase agreements not being

honored as old plants, which have already recovered

their capital costs, can supply power most cheaply

(Logan. 1999). Average prices have stabilized since the

late 1990s as supply exceeded demand (Logan, 1999). 
Geothermal Resources in China 14

The GOC recently established new “same grid, same

price” policies – all plants connected to the same

regional grid must charge the same price for electricity. 

As a result of the heavily-subsidized and costly Three

Gorges Dam project, however, Chinese electricity prices

will be distorted for a long time as a major source of

electricity is massively subsidized by the government

(Wang, 1999).

China’s accession to the World Trade Organization

(WTO) will dramatically broaden competition within

China which will demand that power be sold at

competitive prices (David Hartman, U.S.-China

Renewable Energy Forum, April 20, 2000).

“New and Renewable Energy Development Program,

1996-2010"

The “New and Renewable Energy Development Program,

1996-2010" is designed to improve the efficiency of

renewable energy technologies, lower production costs,

and increase renewable energy’s contribution to the

country’s energy supply within a market system. 

Despite their proven environmental and social benefits,

renewable energy in China remains largely undeveloped

for several reasons — limited capacity to disseminate

renewable energy through market mechanisms,

institutional fragmentation, lack of business skills,

incomplete assessment of renewable resources, lack of

facilities for testing and certifying equipment, high cost

of renewable energy systems, and lack of suitable

funding mechanisms.

The details of the program are as follows:

• Renewable energy mainly includes wind power,

PV, biomass power, geothermal power, and ocean

energy. The State Planning Commission and

Ministry of Science and Technology will actively

support the projects concerning renewable energy

for power when arranging construction, as well as

scientific projects financed by the state

government. 

• Renewable energy power projects have priority in

getting loans for capital construction, with the

State Development Bank granting loans to such

projects. The State Planning Commission will aid

the developers of those projects which are

approved by the State, and have a capacity of over

3,000 kWe, to obtain bank loans. The projects,

which get loans from banks, will get 2% interest

deducted. The Ministry of Finance will pay the

deducted interest for the state projects. The

borrower should meet the following requirements:

1. The project developer will obtain a letter of

intent for bank loans when preparing a
Geothermal Resources in China 15

project proposal, and a letter of

commitment when doing the feasibility

study. 

2. The equity of the project on renewable

energy for power will not be lower than

35% of the total project investment.

3. The developer will pay the loan interest to

the bank, and apply to the financial

department for interest deduction on an

annual basis.

• For renewable energy electric power projects, the

electric grid management department will

purchase all power and allow the nearest grid

connection. The legal representative of the

project will get a PPA from the utilities and a letter

of intent for grid connection when preparing the

project proposal, and a letter of commitment when

conducting the feasibility study. 

• When the project is still within the loan payback

period, the pricing will follow the principle of

repayment plus related interest plus reasonable

profit. The amount that exceeds the grid average

power price will be shared within the electric grid.

The investment profit rate of a project which uses

imported equipment will not exceed 3% plus the

interest rate on the loan. Due to the local

production encouragement policy, the investment

profit rate of projects using Chinese-built

equipment will not be lower than 5% plus the

interest rate.

• The power price of projects using Chinese-made

equipment will be equal to the power price of the

projects using imported equipment and connected

to the same grid. 

• At the project proposal stage, the developer will

obtain a letter of intent for the power purchase

price from the local Price Bureau. At the

feasibility study stage, the local Price Bureau will

examine the power price (including the price

constitute), and report to the State Planning

Commission for the record. The power purchase

price approved by the local Price Bureau and the

State Planning Commission will come into effect

at the project starting date. After the loan payback

period, the price will be set according to the

electric grid’s average power price.

• The government encourages adopting lease

contract or installment payments to develop

stand-alone renewable energy power systems. The

local government stipulates specific rules

according to the local factual conditions, and

reports to the State Planning Commission for the

record. 
Geothermal Resources in China 16

• The explanation of the provisions of this

document is subject to the State Planning

Commission.8

Regulations on the Development and Application of

Geothermal Resources, October 1989

China’s geothermal law governs the exploration and

application of the country’s geothermal resources. 

Provincial and county-level regulations may also apply.

At the national level, SETC’s objectives regarding

geothermal development are to:

• Use high-enthalpy geothermal resources

for power generation in remote areas of

China,

• Greatly develop low and medium-enthalpy

geothermal resources for heat supply and

comprehensive utilization, and 

• Improve the level of geothermal equipment

production (Zhai, 2000).

The goal is to have 30 MWe of installed power

generation capacity from geothermal resources by 2000,

40-50 MWe by 2005, and 75-100 MWe by 2010 (Zhai,

2000).

Protocol for Cooperation in the Fields of Energy

Efficiency and Renewable Energy Development and

Utilization

On February 25, 1995, the U.S. Department of Energy

(DOE) and the State Science and Technology

Commission, now MOST, signed a “Protocol for

Cooperation in the Fields of Energy Efficiency and

Renewable Energy Development and Utilization.”9

Annex VI to the Protocol, “Cooperative Activities on

Geothermal Production and Use,” was signed on

November 18, 1997 between the State Science and

Technology Commission (now MOST) and DOE. The

objective of this agreement is to accelerate the utilization

of geothermal resources in China, both for electricity

generation and direct thermal energy use. 

8 For more information on the “New and

Renewable Energy Development Program,

1996-2010" see

http://ntwebsrv1vh1.nrel.gov/international/china/

whats_new.html.

9 For more information on the Protocol, see

http://ntwebsrv1vh1.nrel.gov/international/china.
Geothermal Resources in China 17

In Fall 1998, DOE sent two U.S. geothermal experts to

Tengchong County to work with the Chinese drilling

team to look at drilling equipment, safety, and geological

issues and make recommendations for their

improvement. 

In addition, DOE will supply technical assistance in

feasibility studies and training to support China’s efforts

to demonstrate geothermal heat pump (GHP) technology

in three commercial buildings, using U.S.-made

equipment. 

Finally, through the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, DOE

is supporting a scientific study of the geological

mechanisms that are producing the geothermal energy

resources at the Tengchong site. 
Geothermal Resources in China 18

Political, 1996

University of Oregon, http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~felsing/cstuff/cmaps.html
Geothermal Resources in China 19

Shaded Relief, 1996

University of Oregon, http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~felsing/cstuff/cmaps.html
Geothermal Resources in China 20
Geothermal Resources in China 21
Geothermal Resources in China 22

GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES > 150oC

AND SITES WITH POWER PLANT(S)

IN CHINA

Project Name Status From

Temp oC

To

Temp oC

Installed

capacity

(MWe)

Potential

(MWe)

Balazhang Preliminary identification/report 98 214 0 Unknown

Bangbie Preliminary identification/report 63 177 0 Unknown

Bongbeng Preliminary identification/report 95 205 0 Unknown

Caojian Preliminary identification/report 61 170 0 Unknown

Chaluo Preliminary identification/report 88 220 0 10

Dakongbeng Preliminary identification/report 97 212 0 11

Daping Preliminary identification/report 94 180 0 Unknown

Dengwu Power plant(s) on site 87 94 0.866 0.866

Eryuan Preliminary identification/report 69 204 0 Unknown

Fengshun Power plant(s) on site 95 N/A 0.5 0.5

Heishehe Well(s) or hole(s) drilled 125 200 0 23.9

Huailai Power plant(s) on site 85 88 0.2 0.2

Hui-Chang Spa Power plant(s) on site 91 N/A 0.3 0.3

Huitang Power plant(s) on site 88 102 0.03 0.03

Humeng Preliminary identification/report 94 172 0 Unknown
Project Name Status From

Temp oC

To

Temp oC

Installed

capacity

(MWe)

Potential

(MWe)

Geothermal Resources in China 23

Jiangsi Yichune Power plant(s) on site 67 N/A 0.05 0.05

Langjiu (Shiquanhe) Power plant(s) on site 78 180 2 3.2

Lanniba Preliminary identification/report 93 157 0 Unknown

Lanpu Hot Pool Preliminary identification/report 96 220 0 Unknown

Lincang Hot Pool Preliminary identification/report 64 177 0 Unknown

Litang Preliminary identification/report 190 220 0 10

Longmadong Preliminary identification/report 84 195 0 Unknown

Longwozhai Preliminary identification/report 96 173 0 Unknown

Malutianba Preliminary identification/report 96 178 0 Unknown

Mangwoshan Preliminary identification/report 89 189 0 Unknown

Manzhao Preliminary identification/report 97 202 0 Unknown

Maolan Preliminary identification/report 68 152 0 Unknown

Maomaolei Preliminary identification/report 70 196 0 Unknown

Mengman Preliminary identification/report 99 234 0 Unknown

Mengping Preliminary identification/report 102 180 0 Unknown

Naqu Power plant(s) on site 62 170 1.3 5.73

Niujie-Sanying Well(s) or hole(s) drilled 82 193 0 Unknown

Panzhihua Boiling

Springs Well(s) or hole(s) drilled 97 187 0 49.4

Quanqiaohe Preliminary identification/report 96 190 0 Unknown

Rehai (Hot Sea) Concession 97 275 0 233.5

Reli Preliminary identification/report 215 227 0 19.8
Project Name Status From

Temp oC

To

Temp oC

Installed

capacity

(MWe)

Potential

(MWe)

Geothermal Resources in China 24

Renzhou Power plant(s) on site 77 N/A 0.1 0.1

Reshuitang Preliminary identification/report 145 221 0 96

Ruidian Well(s) or hole(s) drilled 86 200 0 47.2

Ruili Well(s) or hole(s) drilled 215 230 0 3

Wana Preliminary identification/report 88 154 0 Unknown

Wentang Power plant(s) on site 66 70 0.1 0.1

Xiabiaoyuan Xiaotang

Spring Preliminary identification/report 25 156 0 Unknown

Xiamiandian Preliminary identification/report 71 170 0 Unknown

Xiangzhou Power plant(s) on site N/A N/A 0 Unknown

Xiaodingxi-Xiaojie Preliminary identification/report 94 207 0 Unknown

Xiaojie-Manbeng Preliminary identification/report 101 175 0 Unknown

Xingfu Preliminary identification/report 95 221 0 Unknown

Xiongyue Power plant(s) on site 72 85 0.2 0.2

Yangbajian Power plant(s) on site 125 330 25.18 900

Yangyi Well(s) or hole(s) drilled 150 207 0 30

Yichun Power plant(s) on site N/A N/A 0.1 0.1
Project Name Status From

Temp oC

To

Temp oC

Installed

capacity

(MWe)

Potential

(MWe)

Geothermal Resources in China 25

Yili Preliminary identification/report 160 180 0 Unknown

Yongxin Preliminary identification/report 97 158 0 Unknown

Yulingong Preliminary identification/report 135 170 0 Unknown

Yunnancheng Preliminary identification/report 99 166 0 Unknown

Zhaizhipo Preliminary identification/report 50 165 0 Unknown

Zhaoyuan Power plant(s) on site 90 120 0.2 0.2

TOTALS 31.126 1445.376
Geothermal Resources in China 26

Geothermal Sites / Projects

China is located in the southeastern corner of the

Eurasian Tectonic Plate. It is influenced both by the

Pacific Plate to the east and the Indian-Australian Plate

to the south. Two geothermal belts are formed at the

juncture of these plates — the Himalayan Geothermal

Belt and the Circum-Pacific Belt.

The Himalayan Geothermal Belt, which is the eastern

extension of the Mediterranean Belt, passes through

southern Tibet and western Sichuan Provinces, turns

southward through western Yunnan Province and then

extends downward through Thailand. In China, the

Himalayan Belt is more than 2,800 km long and 200-400

km wide. The Circum-Pacific Belt passes through

eastern Taiwan (Taylor and Li, 1996).

The geothermal background in China is closely related to

tectonic factors. Generally the younger and more active

regions have the highest geothermal background. 

Overall the heat flow pattern in China is characterized as

high in the south and east and low in the west and north. 

For example, southern Tibet, western Sichuan and

Yunnan, and Taiwan are active tectonic areas from the

Cenozoic Age. The reason for these geographical

disparities is that since the Mesozoic Age, China has

been strongly influenced by the tectonic forces from the

south and east mentioned above, creating hot regions in

these areas (Taylor and Li, 1996). 

China has 3,000 hot springs, including 2,200 springs

with recorded temperatures of over 25oC. Hot spring

manifestations are located in more than 75% of the

country’s territory (Huang et al., 1981) — Tibet has 709,

western Sichuan 342, and western Yunnan 694. Other

provinces rich in thermal springs are Guangdong with

257, Fujian with 174, and Hunan with 109 (Zhijie, 1997). 

Low and Medium-Enthalpy Resources

There are intermediate-low temperature resources at

more than 2,900 sites with natural heat flow of 1.04 x

1014 kJ/yr, equivalent to 3.6 million tons standard coal

per year. They are mainly located along China’s

southeastern coast in Guangdong, Fujian, and Hainan

Provinces, and in some inland basins, including SongLiao, North China, Jiang-han, etc. Thermal waters with

temperatures of 80-120oC are found at 1000-3000 m

depth (Zhenguo, 1999). 

China has used low-enthalpy geothermal resources for

more than 2,000 years. Hot springs were used for

irrigation and domestic purposes as early as in the

Eastern Zhou Dynasty (c. 770-256 B.C.) (Yang, 1985). 

During the Han Dynasty, salt was extracted from thermal

water in the Zigong area of Sichuan Province. In the

Ming Dynasty, Li Shi-zheng, a famous medical doctor at

the time, used hot spring water for treating diseases

(Wang, 1995). 
Geothermal Resources in China 27

Today, China is one of the largest users of non-electric

geothermal energy in the world with 1,620 sites across

the country where geothermal energy is used for direct

use. In total, these sites have produced energy

equivalent to burning 5 million tons of standard coal. 

Sites in operation include: 112 sites for agricultural uses,

51 industrial applications, 65 sites using thermal springs

for tourism and bathing, and 35 seismic observation

stations (Protocol for Cooperation in the Fields of

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Progress

Report, 1999). Direct uses amount to more than 2,000

MWt (Ishikura et al., 1999).

China has 24% of the world’s geothermal heating

applications. Low and medium enthalpy resources are

primarily located in the inland and coastal areas of the

country where population densities are high and the

demand growing. Most of the work in this area has been

carried out by Tianjin Geothermal Center. 

Space heating is a common application in northern China

where geothermal resources with temperatures of 40-

80oC provide heat to over 1.3 million m2 of floor space. 

The largest project is in Tianjin where about 50 wells

provide thermal water with temperatures up to 970 C to

heat a total area of 805,000 m2. Space heating projects

in Beijing are spread over a large area of the city,

although there are no large central heating systems

(Taylor and Li, 1996).

The use of geothermal resources in China has grown

12% per year in recent years. As of 1999, 3,000

geothermal wells have been drilled in 70 cities.

High-Enthalpy Resources

China has over 200 high-enthalpy geothermal fields

which may be suitable for power generation with

reservoir temperatures higher than 150oC (Zhijie, 1997). 

High-enthalpy resources are located in the East Taiwan

Geothermal Zone which lies along the southern coast,

and the Yunnan-Xizang (Tibet) Geothermal Zone located

in the southwest plateau which includes the southern part

of Xizang (Tibet) and the western parts of Yunnan and

Sichuan Provinces. 

Geothermal power generation in China began in 1970

with the commission of a 300 kWe plant at Fengshun. 

Several other small experimental power plants (less than

1 MWe) were built in the 1970s using artesian lowenthalpy water (< 90oC) but only Dengwu is still

operational, albeit intermittently. Currently, China has

approximately 28 MWe of installed capacity. The single

largest geothermal power plant currently operating is the 

25.18 MWe complex at Yangbajian. 

In 1999, ORMAT Holding Company signed a joint

venture contract with the Yunnan Province Geothermal

Development Co., Ltd. for exclusive electric power
Geothermal Resources in China 28

development of geothermal resources in Tengchong

County, beginning with a 12 MWe plant at Rehai. 

China’s principal geothermal fields for power generation

include Yangbajian, Naqu, Yangyi, and Langjui in

Xizang Province (Tibet); Rehai, Lanpu, Ruidian, and

Ruili in Yunnan Province; and Litang in Sichuan

Province. 

Estimated Power Generation Potential (MWe)

Estimates of China’s geothermal electric power

generation potential vary widely, from 200 MWe to over

10,000 MWe. 

Hochstein and Yang, (1995) suggest a total potential of

200 MWe (excluding West Yunnan resources), Shen et

al., (1995) suggest 400-1,100 MWe, Chen et al., (1994;

cited in Wang et al., 1995) suggest 1,700 MWe (1,000

MWe in Tibet, 570 MWe in West Yunnan, 170 MWe in

West Sichuan), and Ren et al., (1995) estimate over 6,000

MWe with a 30-year life (Allis et al., 1996). 

Zhijie estimates that the potential power generation

capacity on the Chinese mainland is 10,326 MWe for 30

years — 6,126 MWe in Tibet; 2,795 MWe in western

Yunnan Province; and 1,045 MWe in western Sichuan

Province (Zhijie, 1997). 

Taking into account the 46 geothermal sites listed in this

report with temperatures of over 150oC, the estimated

power generation potential is 1439.73 MWe at a

minimum. 

The GOC’s goal is to have 30 MWe of installed power

generation capacity from geothermal resources by 2000,

40-50 MWe by 2005, and 75-100 MWe by 2010 (Zhai,

2000).

If China is to achieve geothermal development

approaching this magnitude within the next 10-20 years,

there needs to be a reassessment of all major hot spring

occurrences, incorporating both economic criteria as

well as realistic estimates of resource potential. Much of

the resource data has already been collated by the

provincial and state Geological and Mineral

organizations, so a large part of this study would be

office based, using in-house expertise. “Reservoir”

temperature estimates need to be based on the TKMg

geothermometer rather than the TNaK geothermometer

(Giggenbach, 1988), and caution is needed when using

the area of thermal manifestations as an indicator of

reservoir area. The mass flow of hot water and apparent

reservoir temperature will yield a heat output which is

probably the best indicator of reservoir size (Allis et al.,

1996). 

The following is data on those sites which have

temperatures exceeding 150oC, as well as the sites that
Geothermal Resources in China 29

have a power plant on location (several of which are no

longer operational). 

Project / Site Province

Dengwu Guangdong

Fengshun Guangdong

Renzhou Guangxi

Xiangzhou Guangxi

Huailai Hebei

Hui-Chang Spa Hunan

Huitang Hunan

Wentang Jiangxi

Yichun Jiangxi

Xiongyue Liaoning

Zhaoyuan Shandong

Chaluo Sichuan

Litang Sichuan

Panzhihua Boiling Springs Sichuan

Yili Xinjiang

Langjiu (Shiquanhe) Xizang (Tibet)

Naqu Xizang (Tibet)

Yangbajian Xizang (Tibet)

Yangyi Xizang (Tibet)

Yulingong Xizang (Tibet)

Balazhang Yunnan

Bangbie Yunnan

Bongbeng Yunnan

Caojian Yunnan

Dakongbeng Yunnan

Daping Yunnan

Eryuan Yunnan

Heishehe Yunnan

Humeng Yunnan

Lanniba Yunnan

Lanpu Hot Pool Yunnan

Lincang Hot Pool Yunnan

Longmadong Yunnan

Longwozhai Yunnan

Malutianba Yunnan

Mangwoshan Yunnan

Manzhao Yunnan

Maolan Yunnan

Maomaolei Yunnan

Mengman Yunnan

Mengping Yunnan

Niujie-Sanying Yunnan

Quanqiaohe Yunnan

Rehai (Hot Sea) Yunnan

Reli Yunnan
Geothermal Resources in China 30

Reshuitang Yunnan

Ruidian Yunnan

Ruili Yunnan

Wana Yunnan

Xiabiaoyuan Xiaotang Yunnan

Xiamiandian Yunnan

Xiaodingxi-Xiaojie Yunnan

Xiaojie-Manbeng Yunnan

Xingfu Yunnan

Yongxin Yunnan

Yunnancheng Yunnan

Zhaizhipo Yunnan

Jiangsi Yichune Zhejiang

Database entries are listed alphabetically by project or

site name.

Balazhang

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan, Longling County,

1280 masl

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 98-214

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

1970s - Reconnaissance conducted in the QinghaiXizang Plateau. 

NOTES

Site of 1 small geyser (Liao et al., 1984). China

Surface temperature is 98oC, subsurface temperature is

214oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Bangbie

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 63-177

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 63oC, subsurface temperature is

177oC (Liao et al., 1986).
Geothermal Resources in China 31

Bongbeng

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 95-205

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 95oC, subsurface temperature is

205oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Caojian

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 61-170

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 61oC, subsurface temperature is

170oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Chaluo

LOCATION

Sichuan Province, Western Sichuan, Batang County,

3600 masl

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 88-220

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 10

CHRONOLOGY

1970s - Reconnaissance conducted in the QinghaiXizang Plateau.

NOTES

In the area near Chaluo, there are small geothermal

fields with temperatures up to 220oC and an estimated

potential of 10 MWe.
Geothermal Resources in China 32

Surface manifestations include fumaroles, boiling

springs, thermal springs, and 4 geysers; located at the

junction of two sets of faults with N-S and NE trends

(Liao et al., 1984).

Dakongbeng

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, in the southwestern part of the

province, 14 km west of Yunxian Town, about 180 km

southeast of the Tengchong geothermal region, 1280

masl

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 97-212

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 11

CHRONOLOGY

1981 to 1983 - Preliminary survey, including

geochemical study, conducted.

NOTES

Surface temperature is 97oC, subsurface temperature is

212oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Power generation potential estimated to be 11 MWe

(Zhang, et al., 1984).

The Dakongbeng hydrothermal area is located

tectonically within the Sanjiang folded strata belt

which was formed during the Indo-China stage, and

altered by stronger tectonic activity during the

Yenshan and Himalayan stages (Zhang et al., 1984).

Daping

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 94-180

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 94oC, subsurface temperature is

180oC (Liao et al., 1986).
Geothermal Resources in China 33

Dengwu

LOCATION

Guangdong Province, in Fengshun County

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) 87-94

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0.866

POTENTIAL (MWe) 0.866

CHRONOLOGY

1970 - Dengwu U-2, single flash 386 kWe went online.

1973 to 1976 - General geothermal investigation

carried out in Tibet.

1979 - Additional 180 kWe isobutane binary system

began operating.

1982 - Dengwu U-3, single flash 300 kWe went online.

NOTES

Temperature is 87-94oC; 13 MWt identified (Yang et

al., 1985).

During the 1970s, five binary plants, all less than 1

MWe, were installed around eastern China as pilot

projects. These plants typically used water at 90oC

which flowed by artesian pressure from deep wells. As

aquifer pressures decreased so too did flow rates;

eventually pumping was needed to maintain flows

making the plants uneconomic. The only ones still

operating, albeit intermittently, are at Dengwu (Alls et

al., 1996).

Eryuan

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 69-204

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 68.8oC, subsurface temperature

is 204oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Fengshun

LOCATION
Geothermal Resources in China 34

Guangdong Province, in the northeast part of the

province, about 70 km from Shantou City

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) 95

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0.5

POTENTIAL (MWe) 0.5

CHRONOLOGY

1970 - First geothermal power plant in China went

online; flash plant; installed capacity of 300 kWe.

1977 - Additional 200 kWe binary plant went online;

used isobutane-butane as working fluid

Plants currently operate intermittently.

NOTES

Mass flow rate is 240 t/h without deep well pumps

(Zhou, 1983).

Average cost of the four pilot plants (Fengshun,

Huailai, Wentang, and Xiongyue) was $3,000-

$4,000/kW, two to three times the cost of a same size

thermal plant. The average cost of electricity was

about 66 mills/kWh, roughly equal to the cost of a

same capacity thermal plant (Zhou, 1983).

Heishehe

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, in West Yunnan 30 km south of

Tengchong

STATUS

Well(s) or hole(s) drilled

TEMPERATURE (°C) 125-200

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 23.9

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Concession to the local government of Heishehe

Geothermometer temperature of 200oC

Area of 2 km2; temperature of 145oC encountered at

depth of 1500 m; potential estimated at 23.9 MWe for

30 years (Vaupen, 1999).

Huailai

LOCATION

Hebei Province, in Hualiai County; 92 km northwest

of Beijing
Geothermal Resources in China 35

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) 85-88

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0.2

POTENTIAL (MWe) 0.2

CHRONOLOGY

Prior to 1971 - 3 wells drilled to average depth of 79

m; encountered average temperature of 83oC; total

mass flow rate of 210 t/h. (Zhou, 1983). 

September 1971 - 200 kWe binary plant

commissioned; used ethyl chloride as working fluid;

used all used equipment.

Power plant currently not used. 

NOTES

Geothermal resource is also used for greenhouses and

farming.

Average cost of the four pilot plants (Fengshun,

Huailai, Wentang, and Xiongyue) was $3,000-

$4,000/kW, two to three times the cost of a same size

thermal plant. The average cost of electricity was

about 66 mills/kWh, roughly equal to the cost of a

same capacity thermal plant (Zhou, 1983). 

Temperature is 88oC; 61 MWt identified (Yang et al.,

1985).

Hui-Chang Spa

LOCATION

Hunan Province, in Ningxiang County

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) 91

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0.3

POTENTIAL (MWe) 0.3

CHRONOLOGY

1975 - 300 kWe flash system installed.

NOTES

Huitang

LOCATION

Hunan Province

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) 88-102
Geothermal Resources in China 36

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0.03

POTENTIAL (MWe) 0.03

CHRONOLOGY

1971 - Binary 30 kWe plant went online (Ren et al.,

1990). Geothermal plant works intermittently. 

NOTES

Geothermal resource is also used for greenhouses and

farming.

Temperature is 88-102oC; 134 MWt identified (Yang

et al., 1985).

Humeng

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 94-172

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 94oC, subsurface temperature is

172oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Jiangsi Yichune

LOCATION

Zhejiang Province

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) 67

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0.05

POTENTIAL (MWe) 0.05

CHRONOLOGY

1971 - 50 kWe ethyl chloride system went online.

NOTES

Langjiu (Shiquanhe)

LOCATION

Xizang (Tibet) Province, in the far western part of the

province, 30 km east of Shiquanhe, 4500 masl

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site
Geothermal Resources in China 37

TEMPERATURE (°C) 78-180

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 2

POTENTIAL (MWe) 3.2

CHRONOLOGY

1973 to 1976 - General geothermal investigation

carried out in Tibet.

Late 1970s - Survey suggested a subsurface

temperature of 180oC which might support a 10 MWe

plant (Ren et al., 1995). 

1980 to 1982 - Chinese and French earth scientists

carried out geological, geophysical, and geochemical

studies in Tibet (Grimaud et al., 1985).

Early 1980s - 13 wells drilled in 1-km2 area to around

100 m; encountered temperatures of 101-105oC in an

inferred reservoir area of 0.4 km2 (Allis et al., 1996).

1987 - Two single flash-steam 1-MWe plants installed;

operating intermittently due to unsteady production

from wells (Fangzhi, 1995).

NOTES

Only one plant is currently operational. Downward

leakage of cold waters has damaged part of the

reservoir and the maximum capacity of the field may

now be only 3.2 MWe, down from the 10 MWe

originally thought (IGA).

Concession to the Industry Bureau of Ali, Tibet

Lanniba

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 93-157

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 93oC, subsurface temperature is

157oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Lanpu Hot Pool

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, 10 km south of Rehai, in Tengchong

County
Geothermal Resources in China 38

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 96-220

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Lanpu is usually considered to be part of the Rehai

geothermal field; its area is about 4.5 km2. 

Discharge temperature is 96oC (Zhang et al., 1987).

Spring vents have shifted frequently. Prior to these

migrations, hydrothermal explosions have occurred

(Tong et al., 1986).

Lincang Hot Pool

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 64-177

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 64oC, subsurface temperature is

177oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Litang

LOCATION

Sichuan Province, near Litang township, in the western

part of the province

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 190-220

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 10

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Several small fields; reservoir temperatures are in the

190-220oC range. 

Due to the limited reservoir area, electric generation

potential is probably less than 10 MWe.
Geothermal Resources in China 39

Longmadong

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 84-195

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 84oC, subsurface temperature is

195oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Longwozhai

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 96-173

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 96.5oC, subsurface temperature

is 173oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Malutianba

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 96-178

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 96oC, subsurface temperature is

178oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Mangwoshan

LOCATION
Geothermal Resources in China 40

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 89-189

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 89oC, subsurface temperature is

189oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Manzhao

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 97-202

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 97oC, subsurface temperature is

202oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Maolan

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 68-152

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 68oC, subsurface temperature is

152oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Maomaolei

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report
Geothermal Resources in China 41

TEMPERATURE (°C) 70-196

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 70oC, subsurface temperature is

196oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Mengman

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 99-234

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 99oC, subsurface temperature is

234oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Mengping

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 102-180

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 102oC, subsurface temperature

is 180oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Naqu

LOCATION

Xizang (Tibet) Province, 2 km from Naqu Town (the

largest nearby town with 1200 permanent residents,

average annual temperature -1oC) in Naqu County; 300

km north of Lhasa City; in northern Tibet; at 4526

masl

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site
Geothermal Resources in China 42

TEMPERATURE (°C) 62-170

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 1.3

POTENTIAL (MWe) 5.73

CHRONOLOGY

1973 to 1976 - General geothermal investigation

carried out in Tibet.

1980 to 1982 - Chinese and French earth scientists

carried out geological, geophysical, and geochemical

studies in Tibet (Grimaud et al., 1985).

Mid to late 1980s - Geothermal assessments conducted

and 20 exploratory wells drilled (most are now

collapsed or corroded); located a 0.6 km2 shallow

reservoir with temperatures up to 170oC. Work was

done by the Geothermal Geological Team composed of

Aquater S.p.A., the Instituto Internazionale per le

Ricerche Geotermiche (Pisa, Italy), GENZL, and the

Geothermal Development Corporation of Tibet

Autonomous Region. 

1993 - $5 million-grant from the United Nations

Development Programme (UNDP) supported the

installation of a 1.3 MWe air cooled binary Ormat

plant. Plant operates off of 2 production wells with 

down hole pumps (70 ltr/s at 110oC). A third

production well provides hot water for district heating

in the town.

The cable of one pump failed after 15 days of

operation; the seal of the second after 7 months. The

wells were operated without pumps and experienced

severe scaling.

1995 - Plant ceased all operation. Due to remoteness

of location, pumps were not replaced until 1998. 

1998 - Pumps replaced; plant restored to full operating

capacity by the Naqu Power Bureau.

NOTES

Naqu is the only completely stand-alone off-grid

geothermal power plant in operation. 

The operation is currently being changed so that

pumps will no longer be necessary; anti-scalant

injection will be used to prevent carbonate

precipitations (Lichti et al., 1995).

A geothermal greenhouse at an elevation of 4500 m

has been completed.

Niujie-Sanying

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, in the western part of the province,

87 km north of the city of Dali and 120 km east of the

China-Burma border, 2050 masl. Dali is known as the
Geothermal Resources in China 43

“Oriental Switzerland” because of its beauty,

particularly its climate, flowers, and snow (Ping,

1999).

STATUS

Well(s) or hole(s) drilled

TEMPERATURE (°C) 82-193

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

1996 to 1998 - The Dali municipal government funded

the geothermal project. Exploration activities

included geological, geophysical, geochemical, and

hydrological surveys; the drilling and logging of

wells; and an assessment of the geothermal resource. 

Electrical sounding and spontaneous potential surveys

were carried out to delineate the geothermal anomaly.

During the 1996-98 project, nine shallow temperature

gradient and two exploration wells were drilled. The

260 m-deep well ZK203 penetrated the reservoir

between 150 and 230 m depth in Devonian limestone,

some breciated; borehole temperatures as high as

140.8oC were recorded.

Forty-four (44) water samples were collected and

analyzed. The hot waters are mainly of Na-HCO3 type,

while the cold waters are of Ca-Mg-HCO3 type. 

The total flow rate of ZK203 was 7.4 kg/s at a wellhead

pressure of 1.5 bar g. Rapid calcite scaling was

observed during the 15-day production test due to

high CO2/steam ratio in the geothermal fluid (Ping,

1999).

NOTES

Originally, the field was explored for electrical

generation, particularly during the dry winter and

spring seasons when hydroelectric power is scarce. 

However, exploration and well testing studies showed

that the temperature of the fluids was too low to

produce electricity economically. Now the authorities

plan to develop the field for industrial applications,

balneology, and tourism (Ping, 1999).

Local people currently use the hot spring waters,

whose temperatures range from 42oC to 86oC, for

bathing, washing clothes, and cooking.

Surface temperature is 81.5oC, subsurface temperature

is 193oC (Liao et al., 1986).

The Niujie geothermal system is in a narrow NorthSouth trending graben filled with Quaternary clay and

alluvium. Hot water flows along N-S striking faults

(Ping, 1999). 
Geothermal Resources in China 44

Panzhihua Boiling Springs

LOCATION

Sichuan Province

STATUS

Well(s) or hole(s) drilled

TEMPERATURE (°C) 97-187

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 49.4-78

CHRONOLOGY

Prior to the 1960s - Hydrothermal explosions

frequently occurred (Tong et al., 1986).

NOTES

Discharge temperature is 96.8oC; most likely

geothermometer temperature is 187oC (Zhang et al.,

1987).

Area of 2 km2; temperature of 145oC at 1500 m;

potential electricity estimated at 49.4 MWe for 30

years (Vaupen, 1999).

Estimated potential is 78 MWe; 39 MWt (Yang et al.,

1985).

Quanqiaohe

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 96-190

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 96oC, subsurface temperature is

190oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Rehai (Hot Sea)

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, 11 km southwest of Tengchong

township in western Yunnan Province, near the border

with Burma; at the southern end of the Himalayan

Geothermal Belt; situated at 24o51'-24o58'N and

98o23'-98o-28' E; 1098-1912 masl

STATUS

Concession
Geothermal Resources in China 45

TEMPERATURE (°C) 97-235

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 233.5

CHRONOLOGY

1976 to 1992 - 13 shallow test holes, ranging in depth

from 100 to 400 m, were drilled; based on

measurements and other information, it is possible to

say that Rehai is a hot water system with a magmatic

heat source of about 400-600oC; reservoir temperature

estimated to be 230-275oC (Taylor and Li, 1996).

1995 - Supplementary survey; arranged for deep

drilling to clarify resource; five bores planned. 

1999 - ORMAT Holding Company signed a joint

venture contract with the Yunnan Province

Geothermal Development Co., Ltd. for exclusive

electric power development of geothermal resources in

Tengchong County. ORMAT will be a 85% partner in

the venture which will sign a power purchase

agreement with Yunnan Province Electric Power Corp.

The project’s first phase will be construction of a 12

MWe power plant. Currently, the local power grid can

only take 10-20 MWe of added capacity (Allis et al.,

1996). Total power potential of the steam field is

estimated at over 200 MWe, which ORMAT believes

can be developed over a five- to seven-year period

after operations begin. Initial investment will be

approximately $30 million.

The Yunnan Province pricing policy for Tengchong

County isolated grid is to allow the Tengchong Power

Bureau to establish end-use prices. Prices for isolated

grids are calculated by considering capital and

operating costs, interest for servicing debt, and a 15%

rate of return for equity investment. Power prices for

isolated grids reach as high as 10¢/kWh (Allis et al.,

1996).

The power generation price ranges from 6.7¢/kWh to 

7.8¢/kWh depending on VAT and import duties (Allis

et al., 1998). 

NOTES

The Rehai geothermal field is considered to have the

greatest power generation potential in China. It is the

largest geothermal system in mainland Asia outside of

Kamchatka. The field’s potential power generation

potential is estimated to be 233.5 MWe for 30 years

(Vaupen, 1999).

Ten shallow wells have been drilled around the Rehai

field, apparently as part of gold exploration. The holes

were not located close to the thermal activity, but

measured temperatures of up to 142oC at 380 m depth

(Allis et al., 1996).
Geothermal Resources in China 46

Geochemical surveys indicate that there are two

reservoirs at Rehai, one in the 180-210oC range; the

other higher than 250oC (Zhao, 1995).

Thermal activity at Rehai includes boiling springs; hot

water pools; fumaroles; steaming ground; fiorite,

adarce, salt tufa, and minerogenetic phenomena of

hydrothermal gold and silver; sinter and travertine

formations; thermally altered ground; and sulfur

deposits. The area has attracted tourists as well as

patients wishing to recuperate in the thermal waters

(Allis, et al., 1998). The geothermal resource is

currently used for a health spa (IGA).

A complicating factor regarding the development of

the Rehai field is the special value the springs have as

a tourist attraction; their intensity is unique in China

(Allis et al., 1996). 

The Rehai geothermal field covers an area of about

100 km2 which includes two geothermal areas 6 km

apart and separated by a mountain -- Liuhaungtang

(Huangguaqing-Songmuqing) to the east and

Reshuitang to the west. Liuhaungtang has an

estimated reservoir temperature of 238oC and a

shallow reservoir temperature of 164oC (Vaupen,

1999).

The main thermal features occur along a 2 km stretch

of the Zaotanghe River, and along a 2.5 km lineament

at right angles to the river between Liuhuangtang and

Huangguaqing. The immediate source of these waters

is likely to be to the north beneath the flanks of Mt.

Bangeshan (Allis, et al., 1998).

The natural heat flow has been estimated at more than

100 MWe. The high temperature spring waters

indicate a relatively dilute sodium chloridebicarbonate water (< 500 mg/kg Cl), with increasing

sulphate concentrations found at higher elevations

where steam-heating has occurred. A total chloride

flux from the Rehai hot springs of 44 g/s has been

measured, which also implies a heat flow of almost

100 MWth assuming the parent fluid has an enthalpy

of 1000 kJ/kg and a chloride concentration of 500

mg/kg (uncertainties of over 25% in these assumptions

(Allis et al., 1996).

Anomalously shallow seismicity beneath the region (<

7 km) and a low resistivity anomaly in the upper crust

are consistent with very high temperatures from a

cooling intrusion (i.e. > 350oC) (Allis et al., 1996).

The water chemistry is mainly HCO3-Cl-Na type and

Cl-HCO3-Na type.

A conservative estimate of the natural heat output

from both direct measurements and indirect chloride

flux methods is 150 ± 50 MWt. Geochemical

equillibria derived from thermal waters suggest a
Geothermal Resources in China 47

reservoir temperature of 250-270oC, and gas chemistry

equillibria are consistent with subsurface temperatures

of 200-300oC. The subsurface area of the field and the

potential reservoir location are poorly defined. If the

Reshuitang (hot) and Bapai (tepid) springs are also

outflows from the same deep geothermal resource,

then the area of the field could be as much as 50 km2,

and the natural heat output could be close to 200 MWt

(Allis, et al., 1998).

Reli

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, on the bank of the Lijiang River,

Reli City is an important commercial and trade port

with three international borders

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 215-227

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 19.8

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Reli geothermal field has an area of 11.8 km2,

reservoir temperatures of 215-227oC, and an estimated

capacity of 19.8 MWe (Ren et al., 1995).

Peacock Hot Spring is famous for its high temperatures

(96-102oC) and beautiful scenery.

Renzhou

LOCATION

Guangxi Province

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0.1

POTENTIAL (MWe) 0/1

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Power plant no longer operating.

Reshuitang

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, 8 km southwest of the Rehai field,

1119 masl
Geothermal Resources in China 48

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 145-221

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 96

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

A hot spring with a temperature of 98.7oC is found

halfway up the mountain (Ren et al., 1995). 

Shallow reservoir temperature is 145oC (Vaupen,

1999).

Field has estimated temperatures of 161-221oC and a

possible capacity of 96 MWe.

Reshuitang has two boiling springs with a total flow of

13 kg/s, implying a natural heat flow of close to 5

MWt. This spring is situated in the Dayingjian River

Valley at approximately 1100 masl (Allis, et al., 1998).

Reshuitang hot springs may be manifestations of the

same deep heat source as Rehai to the north (Allis et

al., 1996).

Ruidian

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, 60 km north of Tengchong township

in western Yunnan, 1700 masl

STATUS

Well(s) or hole(s) drilled

TEMPERATURE (°C) 86-200

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 47.2-56.36

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

The Ruidian geothermal field, with an area of about 3

km2, contains 33 warm and hot springs with an average

temperature of 50-75oC, and a maximum temperature

of 97oC. Discharge temperature is 86.5oC; composed

of 6 groups of hot springs (Zhang et al., 1987).

Thermal reservoir geothermometer temperature is

200oC; power generation potential is estimated at

56.36 MWe for 30 years.

Area of 3.2 km2; temperature of 160oC at 1500 m;

potential electricity estimated at 47.2 MWe for 30

years (Vaupen, 1999).
Geothermal Resources in China 49

Direct use potential estimated at 39 MWt (Yang et al.,

1985).

Ruili

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, on the bank of the Lijiang Ruver

near Ruili City, an important commercial and trading

port on the Burmese border; about 100 km south of

Tengchong; in western Yunnan; 760-774 masl

STATUS

Well(s) or hole(s) drilled

TEMPERATURE (°C) 215-230

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 3-5

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Two wells drilled to 1200-1500 m depth encountered

maximum temperature of 100oC; reservoir

temperatures are in the range of 215-230oC; field is 12

km2 in size; initial plant of 3-5 MWe planned.

Israeli and Italian companies are doing demonstration

projects at Ruili (Gebert, 1997).

Wana

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 88-154

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 87.5oC, subsurface temperature

is 154oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Wentang

LOCATION

Jiangxi Province, in the western part of the province;

21 km from Yichun City

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) 66-70

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0.1
Geothermal Resources in China 50

POTENTIAL (MWe) 0.1

CHRONOLOGY

September 1971 - First 50 kWe binary plant went

online; used ethyl chloride as working fluid.

NOTES

Two 50 kWe plants were put into operation. Waste

fluid used for direct use.

One 8"” well was drilled to a depth of 69 m;

encountered temperature of 66oC and a mass flow rate

of 80-100 t/h. Well is artesian; no pump is required

(Zhou, 1983).

Average cost of the four pilot plants (Fengshun,

Huailai, Wentang, and Xiongyue) was $3,000-

$4,000/kW, two to three times the cost of a same size

thermal plant. The average cost of electricity was

about 66 mills/kWh, roughly equal to the cost of a

same capacity thermal plant (Zhou, 1983).

Xiabiaoyuan Xiaotang Spring

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, Tengchong

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 25-156

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Discharge temperature is 25oC; most likely

geothermometer temperature is 156oC (Zhang et al.,

1987).

Xiamiandian

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 71-170

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 71.4oC, subsurface temperature

is 170oC (Liao et al., 1986).
Geothermal Resources in China 51

Xiangzhou

LOCATION

Guangxi Autonomous Region

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) N/A

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Xiaodingxi-Xiaojie

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 94-207

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 94oC, subsurface temperature is

207oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Xiaojie-Manbeng

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 101-175

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 100.7oC, subsurface

temperature is 175oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Xingfu

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS
Geothermal Resources in China 52

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 95-221

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 95oC, subsurface temperature is

221oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Xiongyue

LOCATION

Liaoning Province, about 64 km from Yingkou City

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) 72-85

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0.2

POTENTIAL (MWe) 0.2

CHRONOLOGY

1971 - First 100 kWe dual freon binary system went

online.

May 1978 - Second 100 kWe binary plant went online

using F-11/n-butane as working fluid.

NOTES

Two 100 kWe power plants stopped operations. 

Geothermal resource is also used for greenhouses and

farming.

Estimated 7 MWt identified (Yang et al., 1985).

Two wells were drilled; total flow rate of 120 t/h;

encountered temperature of 80oC (Zhou, 1983).

Average cost of the four pilot plants (Fengshun,

Huailai, Wentang, and Xiongyue) was $3,000-

$4,000/kW, two to three times the cost of a same size

thermal plant. The average cost of electricity was

about 66 mills/kWh, roughly equal to the cost of a

same capacity thermal plant (Zhou, 1983). 

Yangbajian

LOCATION

Xizang (Tibet) Province, 94 km northwest of Lhasa

City, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in a

basin bordered by the Nyaingentanglha Mountains to

the north and by the Tang Mountains and Zangboqu

River to the south; at an elevation of 4290-4450 masl. 

The China-Nepal highway divides the field into two
Geothermal Resources in China 53

parts, the northern and southern; at the junction of the

China-Nepal Highway and the Qinhai-Xizang Highway

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) 125-330

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 25.18

POTENTIAL (MWe) 900

CHRONOLOGY

1973 to 1976 - General geothermal investigation

carried out in Tibet.

1975 - First shallow geothermal well drilled. 

1976 - Tibetan Geological Team established; more

detailed exploration began; found a shallow reservoir

between 150 and 300 m; encountered temperatures of

150-165oC which decreased towards the southeast;

extended over an area of 4-5 km2 (Ping and Ji, 1999).

1977 - Electricity generation began; Yangbajian No. 1

experimental stage of 1 MWe went online at a reported

cost of US$40 million (IGA).

1981 - First 3 MWe went online.

1982 - Second 3 MWe went online.

1983 - Under UNDP contract, ENEL-AQUATER (ENI) 

began geothermal research.

1985 - Third 3 MWe went online; ENEL-AQUATER

concluded reservoir and production engineering study.

1986 - Additional 3.18 MWe went online.

1988 - Borehole with a measured temperature of 202oC

at 970 m was drilled in the north hydrothermal

alteration area. 

1989 - Additional 6 MWe (2 x 3) went online.

1991 - Additional 6 MWe (2 x 3) went online; total

installed capacity increased to 25.18 MWe. (While the

power plant has an installed capacity of 25.18 MWe, it

generally produces only 16 MWe due to insufficient

flow rates [Ping, et al., 1997].) 

1993 to 1994 - In order to increase the installed

capacity and address the decline in pressure,

exploration of the deep reservoir was begun in the

northern part of the field. The first deep well, ZK4002,

to 2006.8 m, was successfully drilled. The recorded

temperature in May 1994 was 329.8oC at 1850 m depth

(the borehole has since collapsed at that depth [Ping,

et al., 1997]), with a wellhead temperature of 200oC

which later stabilized at 125oC with a pressure of 0.14

MPa, down from 1.5 MPa. Due to its low production
Geothermal Resources in China 54

characteristics, the well will not be connected to a

power plant. 

1996 - Successfully completed ZK4001, 370 m

southeast of ZK4002; drilled to 1450 m; average

temperature is 248oC in the feeding zones (Ping, et al.,

1997). The shallow, 170oC feed zone is in fractured

granites between 240-450 m depth. Below this zone,

the well penetrates altered granite at 450-790 m, and

dense granite at 690-950 m. The deepest part of the

well is fractured granite at 950-1366 m, and granitic

mylonite at 1336-1450 m (Ping and Ji, 1999). 

Wellhead conditions were 200oC and 1.5 MPa when

flowing at a rate of 84 kg/s (steam and liquid). NaCl is

the main component of the deep fluid. The estimated

reservoir temperature is 248.9oC (based on Fournier’s

1977 quartz geothermometer), and 275oC (based on

Arnorsson et al.’s 1983 Na/K geothermometer) (Ping

and Li, 1999). 

Logging and hydraulic tests verify that there are high

temperature fluids in the northern part of the field

which could be used to produce more electricity. 

Exploitation of the deep resources would accelerate

the shallow resources depletion. In order to extend the

life of the field, it is necessary to set up an injection

project as soon as possible (Ping, et al., 1997). 

Reinjection could be carried out in one of two ways. 

The first is to put the reinjection wells in the northern

part of the field to mix with the recharge water in the

vertical convection before the water enters the

reservoir at 140oC. The second is to put the reinjection

wells in the southern part of the field close to the

power plant and to use the 80oC cold waste water from

the plant (Hu, 1995). 

1998 - Drilling of four injection wells began; disposal

of the cool discharge waters into the local surface

drainage is now regarded as an acceptable form of

pollution (Allis et al., 1996).

1999 - Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

decided to contribute 591 million yen (about US$4.5

million) to the development of Yangbajian, including

the further assessment of the deep reservoir and

ZK4001. 

Local government proposed a new geothermal

exploration program for northern Yangbajian, hoping

to receive financial support from the central

government in Beijing (Ping and Ji, 1999).

2000 to 2002 - JICA three-year project will fund two

directional drill holes, a high-frequency

magnetoteluric survey, the installation of six

microseismic monitoring stations, a CO2 soil gas

survey, fluid geochemistry studies, and a new

assessment of the Yangbajian resource (Ping and Ji,

1999).
Geothermal Resources in China 55

Yangbajian generates 41% of the power needed by

Lhasa City in summer and more than 60% of the city’s

winter needs, when hydropower is ineffective.

NOTES

Yangbajian is home to the largest geothermal power

plant in China. Yangbajian geothermal field covers a

total area of about 15 km2 although the accessible part

of the upper reservoir from which hot fluids can be

produced covers only about 4 km2. The field is a

liquid-dominated reservoir with a two-phase zone on

the top (Hu, 1995).

More than 80 wells have been drilled at Yangbajian,

most of them shallow. As of 1999, less than 15 are

productive; the rest are either damaged or are

exploration wells. 

Calcite scaling in the field is very serious. The

production wells require daily reaming by use of

hammer-striking (Ping, et al., 1997). During the last

years, pressure in the production wells has dropped

sharply; there is insufficient steam available to run the

turbines at full load. Injection of waste geothermal

fluids will begin soon in order to extend the

commercial life of the shallow reservoir. 

The waste waters from Yangbajian are used to heat

50,000 m2 of greenhouses (Allis et al., 1996). 

Yangbajian geothermal field is one of ten

hydrothermal anomalies along the Nyainqen-Tanglha

Fault (Xu and Wu, 1990).

Yangyi

LOCATION

Xizang (Tibet) Province, 60 km from Lhasa City; 45

km southwest of Yangbajian; 4550 masl

STATUS

Well(s) or hole(s) drilled

TEMPERATURE (°C) 150-207

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 30

CHRONOLOGY

1973 to 1976 - General geothermal investigation

carried out in Tibet.

1980 to 1982 - Chinese and French earth scientists

carried out geological, geophysical, and geochemical

studies in Tibet (Grimaud et al., 1985).

Early 1990s - Temperature, pressure, and flow rate

stable during almost 900 hours of testing; 85 wells

drilled; 15 wells ranging up to 1100 m depth have

located a 200-207oC zone about 1.5 km2 in area. 
Geothermal Resources in China 56

In well 208, a temperature of 207.16oC was measured

at a depth of 312 m. The content of CO2 is relatively

low; CaCO3 scaling in the well might be slight (Ren et

al., 1995).

1996 - A 10 MWe development proposal was

submitted to the Ministry of Electric Power (Allis et

al., 1996).

NOTES

The Yangyi geothermal field is in the same basin as

Yangbajian (Ping, et al., 1997). It has an area of 11

km2. 

The power potential of the shallow reservoir is

estimated to be 30 MWe, but comparisons with the

production experience at Yangbajian, where the

reservoir volume is perhaps 3 times greater, suggests

that this estimate is optimistic (Allis et al., 1996).

Yichun

LOCATION

Jiangxi Province

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0.1

POTENTIAL (MWe) 0.1

CHRONOLOGY

1971 - Two 50 kWe binary plants went online.

NOTES

Yili

LOCATION

Xinjiang Province

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 160-180

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Yongxin

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan
Geothermal Resources in China 57

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 97-158

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 97oC, subsurface temperature is

158oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Yulingong

LOCATION

Xizang (Tibet) Province, in Kangding County; 10 km

south of Kangding City; along the Kangding Fault

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 135-170

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

1982 - Survey of hot springs conducted.

NOTES

Estimated minimum subsurface temperatures of the

reservoir at 135oC to about 170oC. A conservative

estimate shows that the potential reservoir could be 4

km long, 1 km wide (Liao and Zhang, 1983).

Yunnancheng

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 99-166

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 99oC, subsurface temperature is

166oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Zhaizhipo

LOCATION

Yunnan Province, West Yunnan
Geothermal Resources in China 58

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 50-165

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Surface temperature is 50.3oC, subsurface temperature

is 165oC (Liao et al., 1986).

Zhaoyuan

LOCATION

Shandong Province

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) 90-120

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0.2

POTENTIAL (MWe) 0.2

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Power plant no longer operating.

Estimated 17 MWt possible (Yang et al., 1985).
Geothermal Resources in China 59

Taiwan

Power Profile

Population (millions) - July 1999 estimated 22.11

Overall Electrification (% of population) 100%

GDP (billion US$) - 1998 estimated $362.00

Real GDP Growth Rate - 1998 estimated 4.8%

Inflation Rate (CPI) - 1998 2.1%

Total Installed Capacity (MWe) - 1998 26

Electricity Consumption per Capita (kWh) - 1997 5,606.47

Energy Demand Growth Rate 10%

Prices (US¢/kWh)

Residential - 1998

Industrial - 1997

Source: the U.S. International Energy Agency

8.9

6.9

Taiwan’s relationship with the Chinese mainland remains

problematic; both the PRC and Taiwan assert that there is

only “one China.” Taiwan authorities seek recognition

as one of what they claim are two “sovereign” political

entities, each governing part of China, while the PRC

regards itself as the sole legal government of all of China

and Taiwan its 23rd province, Taipei.

Although the United States does not have diplomatic

relations with Taiwan, the U.S.-Taiwan relationship is

generally excellent. The American Institute in Taiwan, a

private, non-profit institution, was established in 1979 to

maintain the unofficial relations between the peoples of 

the United States and Taiwan. More than 40 other

countries, including most major European and Asian

nations, also maintain unofficial representation.

Power Summary

Taiwan has an installed capacity of approximately 26

MWe. Imported oil is the dominant fuel in Taiwan’s

energy mix, accounting for more than half of total

primary energy consumption. Coal also plays an

important role (over 30% of total energy consumption),

followed by nuclear power (over 10%), natural gas (over

5%), and hydroelectric power (around 3%).

Taiwan
Geothermal Resources in China 60

At the end of 1998, Taiwan Power Company (Taipower),

the state electric power utility, operated 69 power plants

(39 hydropower, 27 thermal, 3 nuclear) with a total

capacity of 26,680 MWe. In addition, co-generators had

2,500 MWe of capacity which generated around 10% of

the country’s total electric power. (Since 1988, Taiwan

has had a policy of encouraging large industrial facilities

to build co-generation capacity.)

Taiwan’s energy demand is growing fast and expected to

double by 2010, increasing from the 137.8 billion kWh

used in 1997 to 232.5 billion kWh by 2010. To avoid a

repeat of the power shortages of the summer of 1999,

under an ambitious construction schedule, Taipower’s

installed capacity (including IPPs) should reach 44.223

GWe by the end of 2007. 

Taiwan’s energy supply depends heavily on imported

fuel, which reached 96% of total energy needs in 1998. 

To decrease its energy imports and accommodate the

Kyoto Protocol on global CO2 emissions, Taiwan’s

renewable energy development program is a top priority

within Taiwan’s energy policy. Its goal is to increase

use of renewable energy to between 1% to 3% of its total

energy supply by 2020. 

Government / Legislation

Taiwan Power Company (Taipower)

Currently, state-run Taipower monopolizes the

generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. 

Taiwan has been reducing the public sector’s role in the

economy in an effort to reduce the central authorities’

budget deficit. Taipower’s monopoly status has been

waning since a 1994 measure allowed IPPs to provide up

to 20% of Taiwan’s electricity. 

The planned privatization is largely the result of rapidly

rising power demand in Taiwan, and Taipower’s inability

to build sufficient capacity to keep pace with demand,

which led to a power crisis during the summer 

peak-demand months of 1999. The expected date for

Taipower’s privatization is July 2001. Taipower will

retain exclusive control over nuclear and hydropower

plants. The government will continue to own these plants

after Taipower is privatized.

Taiwan authorities fear the island will be crippled by

power shortages if Taipower continues to be the sole

power provider. Taipower’s power generation reserve

margin is as low as 5.6%. 

Eight IPPs have been authorized to build power plants

and the first one went into operation in May 1999.

Another three will start supplying power in 2000 and
Geothermal Resources in China 61

2001. As a result, the reserve capacity of the power grid

is expected to increase from 5.6% in 1996 to 9% in early

1999 and 15-20% in 2000.

IPPs are required to sign power purchase agreements

with Taipower, which will distribute the power to market.

However, new regulations issued by the government in

July 1998 will allow foreign investors to play a greater

role in Taiwan’s electric transmission and distribution

sector. The new rules raised the level permitted of

foreign investment in these sectors to 50%, from 30%

previously.

A private firm can apply to build and operate a power

plant if the following six conditions are met:

1. Its environmental impact assessment (EIA)

is approved by the Taiwan authorities,

2. The local government consents to the

construction of the power plant,

3. The power plant has a secure source of fuel,

4. Taipower agrees to transmit electricity

generated by the plant to its power

transformation stations,

5. The landowner consents to the use of the

land and the government approves the rezoning of the land, and

6. Banks offer adequate project financing.

In addition, Taiwan authorities continue to reduce tariffs

and non-tariff barriers as part of Taiwan’s anticipated

accession to the World Trade Organization. Restrictions

on financial institutions are gradually being lifted;

several public firms have been privatized; and private

sector competition is being introduced in

telecommunications, power generation, and oil refining

and distribution.

Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA)

In the wake of Taiwan’s devastating earthquake on

September 21, 1999, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic

Affairs (MOEA) announced plans to further ease the

rules under which private companies may set up power

plants at Taiwan’s industrial parks. The new rules will

help ensure that industrial parks do not experience

further disruption of electricity supplied by Taipower. 

MOEA has proposed to Taiwan’s Cabinet, the Executive

Yuan (EY), a further liberalization of the electricity

industry. The MOEA also plans to set a ceiling price for

the electricity generated by general operators.

Under current regulations, the MOEA permits only

companies located in an industrial park to build cogeneration plants in that park. Under the new Power

Utility Law, however, companies at the parks may

partner with companies outside the park to invest in

power generation facilities. Those power plants may
Geothermal Resources in China 62

also sell surplus electricity to Taipower and other

customers. At the same time, however, the MOEA will

also eliminate certain investment tax credit incentives

and preferential loans for investments in co-generation

plants.

Energy Commission (EC)

In late November, 1999, officials from Taiwan’s Energy

Commission (EC) announced that it has agreed with the

EY on a plan for liberalization of Taiwan’s energy

market. Passage is expected by Taiwan’s Legislature in

mid-2000 (Heimer, 1999). The major features of the plan

are:

1. Taipower will remain an integrated utility,

but other companies may also provide

integrated services and compete with

Taipower throughout the generation,

transmission and distribution sectors.

2. The authorities will not set up a pool

system. However, IPPs and co-generation

plants may themselves contract to buy and

sell electricity among themselves.

3. New IPPs will not be required to enter into

a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with

Taipower. Although new IPPs will still be

required to first obtain a license from the

EC, the EC does not expect license

qualifications for new IPPs to differ much,

if at all, from the qualifications currently

required for IPPs.

4. Taipower and an existing IPP may

terminate the PPA between them upon

mutual agreement.

5. New capacity at existing IPPs will not be

subject to a PPA. (Hereinafter “New IPPs”

refers to (a) the new IPPs referred to in

point (3), (b) the IPPs which have

terminated their PPA with Taipower

referred to in point (4) and (c) the new

capacity referred to in this point (5).)

6. IPPs (current and New) will be able to

compete with Taipower for certain

“contestable customers” by entering into

bilateral agreements with the contestable

customers. IPPs will not be able to compete

for “captive customers.” Generally

speaking, contestable customers will be

industrial users, and captive customers

residential users.

7. New IPPs may directly supply end users

through the construction of transmission

lines.
Geothermal Resources in China 63

8. Sales of electricity between an IPP and a

contestable customer which do not take

place over private distribution lines, as well

as sales of electricity between an IPP and

Taipower, will be through an independent

system operator (ISO). The ISO will be a

non-profit entity organized by the Taiwan

authorities. It will charge the IPP a nominal

fee to cover its costs and pass along a fee

charged by the transmission sector

(currently envisioned to include only

Taipower and other integrated utilities but

theoretically including transmission

specialist companies) for transmission and

distribution services. It is not clear whether

the liberalization plan would eventually

permit transmission over lines built

pursuant to contracts between an IPP and

an end user. The EC claims the ISO system

they contemplate is similar to the system in

place in California.

9. Electricity generators will be required to (a)

generate a certain percentage of their

electricity using hydro, nuclear, LNG or

renewable resources or (b) otherwise

support clean or renewable generation by

making additional purchases from

generators using those resources or paying

into a government fund.

10. IPPs and Taipower will be required to

provide backup power to each other.

11. Co-generation plants licensed for

“self-use,” often situated in industrial

parks, will be able to sell up to 20% of their

capacity to contestable customers. 

Co-generation plants may also be licensed,

and treated, as regular IPPs, but the

“self-use” license is easier to obtain.

12. All limitations on foreign investment in the

energy sector will be removed.

13. The new plans do not require or anticipate

Taipower privatization. However, the

MOEA has recently announced that,

post-privatization, Taipower will be

required to maintain separate financial

statements across its major businesses to

prevent cross-subsidization from its

business lines where it maintains an

effective monopoly to those lines in which

it competes.

The new plan appears to go far to liberalize the Taiwan

energy sector and the potential opportunities for US

business interest appear great. However, critical details

still need to be clarified ((Heimer, 1999). 
Geothermal Resources in China 64

Renewable Energy Policy

Taiwan’s renewable energy program is in its early

development. Immediately after Taiwan’s National

Energy Convention in May 1998, the EC established a

New and Clean Energy Research and Development

Group. The group has started reviewing the policies

towards, and R&D of, renewable energy in Taiwan,

particularly focusing on solar energy, photovoltaic

energy, wind energy, biomass energy, geothermal

energy, hydraulic energy, and ocean thermal energy.

The Taiwan authorities have a strong desire to achieve

the Kyoto Protocol emission standards and are

promoting renewable energy. U.S. suppliers should

market their products in Taiwan by contacting the EC,

the Energy & Resources Laboratories of the Industrial

Technology Research Institute, Taiwan Power Company,

Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration, and

local engineering firms (Chen and Heimer, 1999).

Geothermal Law

Taiwan has no geothermal law.
Geothermal Resources in China 65

Taiwan, Shaded Relief, 1992

University of Oregon, http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~felsing/cstuff/cmaps.html
Geothermal Resources in China 66

Geothermal Sites / Projects

The island of Taiwan is situated in an Cenozoic

tectonically active belt of the Pacific Island Arc system

in which recent volcanism and seismic activities are still

common, as evidenced by the September 21, 1999

earthquake. 

Taiwan began exploring its geothermal resources for

power generation potential in the 1960s. There are

currently 103 thermal springs identified on the island, 69

of which have recorded temperatures and flow rates; 18

springs have surface temperatures exceeding 80oC

(Zhijie, 1997).

Due to the unresolved corrosion problems in the

Pleistocene Tatun volcanic region in the north of the

country, exploration shifted to the Slate Terrain which is

underlain chiefly by the Miocene Lushan Formation of

Ho (Chang and Lee, 1980; Cherng, 1979). 

The highest subsurface temperature found in the Slate

Terrain region is 223oC at a depth of 2,003 meters in the

Qingshui area. The lowest downhole temperature is

below 173oC at a shallow depth (100-500 m) in the

Tuchang and Lushan areas. From the chemical

geothermometers and mixing models, the deep reservoir

temperature is estimated to be in the 195-220oC range,

similar to the subsurface temperature at Qingshui

(Cherng, 1979). 

With the exclusion of the Pleistocene Tatun volcanic

group on the northernmost tip of the country, Taiwan

has an estimated geothermal power potential of 100-500

MWe (Lee, et al., 1981). Taiwan currently has a

geothermal installed capacity of 4.5 MWe at Qingshui

and 300 kWe at Tuchang. 

Information on the following sites follows:

1. Chihpen

2. Chiniun

3. Lushan

4. Pingdong

5. Qingshui (Chingshui)

6. Sanshing

7. Tatun (Datong)

8. Tuchang

Chihpen

LOCATION

In southeastern Taiwan

STATUS

Well(s) or hole(s) drilled

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A
Geothermal Resources in China 67

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Shallow drillings (< 500 m) done by the Mining

Research and Service Organization (MRSO). Deeper

drillings done by the Chinese Petroleum Corporation

(CPC).

Water chemistry characterized by high content of

sodium bicarbonate (> 2000 ppm), saturated silica, and

low concentration of chloride and sulfate (< 50 ppm). 

At depth, dissolved carbon dioxide is relatively

increasing in the thermal fluid (Chang and Cheng,

1981).

Chiniun

LOCATION

STATUS

Well(s) or hole(s) drilled

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Shallow drillings (< 500 m) done by the Mining

Research and Service Organization (MRSO). Deeper

drillings done by the Chinese Petroleum Corporation

(CPC).

Lushan

LOCATION

In central Taiwan south of the Tuchang field

STATUS

Direct use -- developed

TEMPERATURE (°C) 59-173

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 30

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

The Lushan geothermal resource is currently used for

industrial processes.

The mixing models of the hot springs yield an

estimated temperature of 195-220oC for the deep

aquifer temperature of the field (Cherng, 1979). The

potential of the field is estimated to be nearly 30 MWe

(Chang and Lee, 1980).

Many high temperature hot springs are found in this
Geothermal Resources in China 68

field; the average spring temperature is 65oC (59-96oC)

(Cherng, 1979). The highest hot spring surface

temperature recorded is 98oC (Chang and Lee, 1980). 

Shallow drillings (< 500 m) done by the Mining

Research and Service Organization (MRSO). Deeper

drillings done by the Chinese Petroleum Corporation

(CPC). 

Exploration well NL-2 drilled to 500 m; encountered

maximum down hole temperature of 173oC at 450 m

and maximum static pressure of 50 kg/cm2.

Water chemistry characterized by high content of

sodium bicarbonate (> 2000 ppm), saturated silica, and

low concentration of chloride and sulfate (< 50 ppm). 

At depth, dissolved carbon dioxide is relatively

increasing in the thermal fluid (Chang and Cheng,

1981).

High gas content in steam may limit the exploitation of

geothermal resources if the conventional power

generation method is used. Scaling in the well head

equipment and pipeline is also an engineering problem

related to the high gas content in steam (Chang and

Cheng, 1981).

Hot water in this metamorphic terrain has higher pH

values of 7 to 9.8 due mainly to the high concentration

of NaHCO3 (Cherng, 1979).

The Lushan Formation is composed mainly of argillite

and slate of Early Miocene or lower-Middle Miocene

age exposed in the main part of the Central Range

(Cherng, 1979). 

Pingdong

LOCATION

In Gaoxing County

STATUS

Preliminary identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 140

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

The Pingdong hot spring has a temperature of 140oC

(Huang, 1980).

Qingshui (Chingshui)

LOCATION

On the western flank of the Central Range in

northeastern Taiwan; on the northern part of the
Geothermal Resources in China 69

Lushan Formation and east of the Lan Yang Chi

stream; about 20 km southwest of Ilan

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) 60-300

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 4.5

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

1973 - Geothermal exploration began by the Mining

Research and Service Organization (MRSO), Industrial

Technology Research Institute; began drilling 15

shallows test wells with depths of 161-501 m;

penetrated aquifers with temperatures up to 175oC

(Chiang, et al., 1979).

1976 - Chinese Petroleum Corporation continued

exploration; drilled more than 8 deep wells ranging

from 1505 m to 3000 m (due to very rugged terrain, all

the deep wells were drilled along the Qingshui River,

the main geothermal manifestation area); encountered

temperatures of 148.7-225oC, flow rate of 370 tons/hr,

and a flowing pressure of 8 kg/cm2 (Chiang, et al.,

1979).

October 1977 - Non-condensing 1.5 MWe plant

installed under the auspices of the National Science

Council for experimentation and demonstration

(Cherng, 1979).

1978 - Roving bipole-dipole mapping method used to

explore the area; revealed two obvious anomalies in

resistivity and anisotrophy pattern — one located near

the surface geothermal manifestation; the other to the

northwest along the Lan Yang Chi stream (Lee, et al.,

1980).

1979 - Large-scale and detailed well testing program

began which included well production rates and well

stream enthalpy measurements, pressure transient tests

for drawdowns and buildups, temperature and

pressure-depth survey, noncondensable gas content

analysis, and interference testing (Chiang, et al.,

1979). 

March 1981 - Single-flash 3.0 MWe plant went online.

NOTES

There are a few hot springs in the area, but a large

boiling spring (99oC) is found in the middle of Lan

Yang Chi stream.

Shallow drillings (< 500 m) done by the Mining

Research and Service Organization (MRSO). Deeper

drillings done by the Chinese Petroleum Corporation

(CPC). 
Geothermal Resources in China 70

7 productive boreholes have been made, the deepest

about 3000 m; recorded down hole temperatures as

high as 300oC.

Water has a high concentration of Na, HCO3, and B as

well as high HCO3/Cl and B/Cl ratios which indicates a

metamorphic origin (Cherng, 1979).

Sanshing

LOCATION

STATUS

Well(s) or hole(s) drilled

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

1979 - New well drilled at Hanshi to test the possibility

of hot water at depth.

NOTES

There are no surface manifestations at Sanshing.

Tatun (Datong)

LOCATION

At the northernmost tip of Taiwan

STATUS

Well(s) or hole(s) drilled

TEMPERATURE (°C) 120-293

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0

POTENTIAL (MWe) 100-500

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Field lies in a volcanic region; exploration of a 1500

m-deep reservoir found temperatures of up to 293oC;

estimated generation capacity is 100-500 MWe

(Cherng, 1979).

More extensive development of this area has been

suspended due to the corrosive effect of the acid

sulfate-chloride hot water (Cherng, 1979). The steam

alone is much less corrosive (Huang, 1978).

Tuchang

LOCATION

In northeastern Taiwan about 30 km southwest of the
Geothermal Resources in China 71

Qingshui field

STATUS

Power plant(s) on site

TEMPERATURE (°C) 40-173

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWe) 0.30

POTENTIAL (MWe) N/A

CHRONOLOGY

1985 - Experimental binary 300 kW plant went online.

NOTES

Shallow drillings (< 500 m) done by the Mining

Research and Service Organization (MRSO). Deeper

drillings done by the Chinese Petroleum Corporation

(CPC). 

Many hot springs are scattered along the stream

valleys; range of spring temperature is 40-98oC

(Cherng, 1979).

Water chemistry characterized by high content of

sodium bicarbonate (> 2000 ppm), saturated silica, and

low concentration of chloride and sulfate (< 50 ppm). 

At depth, dissolved carbon dioxide is relatively

increasing in the thermal fluid (Chang and Cheng,

1981).

Field lies in a slate formation; reservoir temperature at

445 m is 173oC. 

U.S. Geological Survey reported a tentative estimated

reservoir temperature of 190.6oC. Na-K-Ca

geothermometer (Fournier and Truesdell, 1973) shows

a low temperature ranging from 150oC to 170oC

(Cherng, 1979).
Geothermal Resources in China 72

China

China’s estimated power generation potential using

geothermal resources is vast and untapped. While

estimates ran the gamut from 200 MWe to over 10,000

MWe, the total estimated potential of the 254 sites

included in the Database is a conservative 1588MWe. 

The actual potential is much greater because many of the

3,000+ hot springs scattered across the country have not

yet been adequately evaluated.

In view of the remote locations of many hot springs in

China, the lack of grid penetration, and the shortages of

electricity nearby, special effort is needed to

demonstrate the viability of very small plants with

capacities of not more than 1-2 MWe (Allis et al., 1996). 

This is particularly true in the sparsely populated rural

areas of western China where renewable and geothermal

energy are important components of the GOC’s “Strategy

Plan for Developing the West Area of China” to bring

electricity and economic development to the region.

The GOC’s goal is to have 30 MWe of installed power

generation capacity from geothermal resources by 2000,

40-50 MWe by 2005, and 75-100 MWe by 2010 (Zhai,

2000).

If China is to achieve geothermal development

approaching this magnitude within the next 10-20 years,

there needs to be a reassessment of all major hot spring

occurrences, incorporating both economic criteria as

well as realistic estimates of resource potential. Much of

the resource data has already been collated by the

provincial and state Geological and Mineral

organizations, so a large part of this study would be

office based, using in-house expertise. “Reservoir”

temperature estimates need to be based on the TKMg

geothermometer rather than the TNaK geothermometer

(Giggenbach, 1988), and caution is needed when using

the area of thermal manifestations as an indicator of

reservoir area. The mass flow of hot water and apparent

reservoir temperature will yield a heat output which is

probably the best indicator of reservoir size (Allis et al.,

1996). 

Taiwan

Taiwan has an estimated geothermal power potential of

100-500 MWe (Lee, et al., 1981). With the privatization

of Taipower and the power sector, the persistent power

shortages, and the central government’s new renewable

energy development policy, now may be a good time for 

Conclusion
Geothermal Resources in China 73

the further development of geothermal power generation

in Taiwan.
Geothermal Resources in China 74

Balazhang ........................................ 30

Bangbie .......................................... 30

Bongbeng ........................................ 30

Caojian .......................................... 31

Chaluo ........................................... 31

Chihpen .......................................... 65

Chiniun .......................................... 66

Dakongbeng ...................................... 31

Daping ........................................... 32

Dengwu .......................................... 32

Eryuan ........................................... 33

Fengshun ......................................... 33

Heishehe ......................................... 34

Huailai ........................................... 34

Hui-Chang Spa .................................... 35

Huitang .......................................... 35

Humeng .......................................... 35

Jiangsi Yichune ..................................... 36

Langjiu (Shiquanhe) ................................. 36

Lanniba .......................................... 37

Lanpu Hot Pool .................................... 37

Lincang Hot Pool ................................... 37

Litang ........................................... 38

Longmadong ...................................... 38

Longwozhai ....................................... 38

Lushan ........................................... 66

Malutianba ........................................ 39

Mangwoshan ...................................... 39

Manzhao ......................................... 39

Maolan .......................................... 40

Maomaolei ........................................ 40

Mengman ......................................... 40

Mengping ......................................... 41

Naqu ............................................ 41

Niujie-Sanying ..................................... 42

Panzhihua Boiling Springs ............................. 43

Pingdong ......................................... 67

Qingshui (Chingshui) ................................. 67

Quanqiaohe ....................................... 43

Rehai (Hot Sea) .................................... 44

Reli ............................................. 46

Renzhou .......................................... 46

Reshuitang ........................................ 47

Ruidian .......................................... 47

Ruili ............................................. 48

Sanshing ......................................... 69

Tatun (Datong) ..................................... 69

Tuchang .......................................... 69

Wana ............................................ 48

Wentang ......................................... 49

Xiabiaoyuan Xiaotang Spring .......................... 49

Xiamiandian ....................................... 49

Index of Sites
Geothermal Resources in China 75

Xiangzhou ........................................ 50

Xiaodingxi-Xiaojie .................................. 50

Xiaojie-Manbeng ................................... 50

Xingfu ........................................... 51

Xiongyue ......................................... 51

Yangbajian ........................................ 52

Yangyi ........................................... 54

Yichun ........................................... 55

Yili .............................................. 55

Yongxin .......................................... 56

Yulingong ......................................... 56

Yunnancheng ...................................... 56

Zhaoyuan ......................................... 57
Geothermal Resources in China 76

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