In the heart of Jilin Province, China, a groundbreaking study is illuminating the untapped potential of geothermal energy, offering a promising avenue for the energy sector. The eastern Da’an area, nestled in the southwestern Central Depression of the Songliao Basin, has long been known for its significant geothermal anomalies. However, until now, the region’s geothermal resources have remained largely unassessed. A recent study, led by Wenwen Chen from the School of Geosciences at Yangtze University, is changing that narrative.
Chen and her team have pioneered a novel approach to geothermal resource assessment, combining 3D geothermal geological modeling with numerical simulation techniques. Their work, published in the journal *Meitian dizhi yu kantan* (which translates to *Geotectonica et Metallogenia*), is set to redefine how we evaluate and exploit geothermal energy.
Traditional methods, such as the volumetric method and the Monte Carlo method, have limitations. The volumetric method struggles with irregular stratigraphic geometries and spatial heterogeneity, while the Monte Carlo method heavily relies on probability distribution models. Chen’s study overcomes these hurdles by integrating regional geology, drilling data, and the thermophysical properties of reservoir rocks to establish a comprehensive 3D geothermal geological model.
Through 3D simulations of steady-state geothermal fields, the team characterized temperature field distributions at depths of up to 2,600 meters. Their findings reveal a temperature gradient that increases with depth, ranging from 25.8–36.4 °C at 500 meters to 94.4–125.6 °C at 2,500 meters. The study also identified three major Upper Cretaceous geothermal reservoirs: the fourth member of the Nenjiang Formation (K2n4), the second-third members of the Yaojia Formation (K2y2+3), and the second-third members of the Qingshankou Formation (K2qn2+3).
The geothermal resources in these reservoirs were assessed using the finite volume method, yielding impressive results. The total geothermal resources in K2n4, K2y2+3, and K2qn2+3 were calculated to be 19.2×10^18 J, 30.4×10^18 J, and 47.3×10^18 J, respectively. When converted to coal equivalent, these figures translate to 6.55×10^8 tonnes, 10.37×10^8 tonnes, and 16.14×10^8 tonnes, respectively. With a recovery factor of 25%, the recoverable resources are estimated at 1.64×10^8 tonnes, 2.59×10^8 tonnes, and 4.04×10^8 tonnes, respectively.
“This study not only provides a detailed assessment of the geothermal resources in the eastern Da’an area but also demonstrates the advantages of combining the finite volume method with numerical simulation techniques,” Chen explained. “This approach can be applied to other geothermal fields, potentially unlocking vast energy resources worldwide.”
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, geothermal power is gaining traction due to its reliability and low carbon footprint. The methods developed by Chen and her team could accelerate the exploitation of geothermal resources, providing a stable and sustainable energy supply.
Moreover, the study’s findings could attract significant investment to the region, fostering economic growth and job creation. The eastern Da’an area could become a hub for geothermal energy, setting a precedent for similar projects globally.
As Chen’s research continues to gain traction, it is poised to shape the future of geothermal energy assessment and exploitation. The energy sector watches with keen interest, ready to harness the power of this innovative approach.