Geothermal development in China and the role of UNU-GTP

Abstract

Geothermal resources figures for China are updated and status of utilization is reviewed. The contribution by the Geothermal Training Programme of United Nations University (UNU-GTP) in Iceland is appraised in terms of work done by the trained professionals from China in the past 40 years. The paper considers that: China is rich in geothermal resources and much progress has been made in its exploration and utilization especially in the direct use of geothermal for space heating. The trained professionals from China have been the main task force to these achievements. The country has high demand for geothermal energy and has made ambitious plans of utilization for the future. New discoveries in exploration and successful models of utilization are promising signals for a continued cooperation of UNU-GTP with China, to achieve more in geothermal development.