Environmental impact of geothermal development in Henan Province, China

Abstract

Sustainable development is a key concept that has gained increasing international acceptance. Geothermal energy currently plays an important part in clean energy supply. The impacts of geothermal development are often positive. However, it is important that the environmental issues associated with development be addressed in a systematic way. A well-prepared Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) can significantly minimize or eliminate the environmental impacts at an early planning stage. Henan Province is rich in low-temperature geothermal resources. More than 300 geothermal wells have been drilled since the 1980s, and are used for balneology, swimming, and space heating. In this report, the benefits of geothermal development, environmental impacts, mitigation methods, and measures to promote geothermal development in Henan Province are discussed.