China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation(Sinopec) has announced the completion of the Fushen-1 well, the deepest geothermal exploration well ever drilled in China. The shaft reaches an impressive depth of 5,200 metres in 250-million-year-old granite.
Innovations and technologies
Since the start of operations in August 2023, Sinopec has implemented innovative technologies developed independently. This includes a combination of dual-drive drilling and high-pressure grouting, crucial for reaching the temperature limits of hot dry rock set by national energy industry standards.
Impact and future potential
The successful drilling of Fushen-1 sheds light on the mechanism of deep geothermal formation and enrichment in southern China, promising to improve the large-scale use of geothermal resources. Sinopec is planning extensive research and on-site tests to establish a platform integrating research, education and experimentation on deep geothermal energy.
Progress towards “Double-Carbon” objectives
This development is a significant step towards achieving China’s “double-carbon” goals, offering a reliable, green and low-carbon source of renewable energy. China’s hot dry rock geothermal resources are estimated to be equivalent to 856 trillion tonnes of standard coal, with immense potential for exploitation.
Leadership and standards in geothermal energy
Sinopec is leading the way in geothermal development in China, with geothermal heating capacity covering almost 100 million square meters. The company has also established over 50 percent of industry standards and the first international standard of the China Geothermal Association.
Sinopec’s success in drilling Fushen-1 reinforces its position as China’s geothermal leader, and aligns with a national strategy for sustainable energy transition.
