Geothermal Resource Exploration in China for Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Goals: Achievements, Challenges, and Prospects

As a stable, reliable, low-carbon, and clean renewable energy source, geothermal resources play an irreplaceable and strategic role in supporting China’s energy transition and achieving the national goals of Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality. This paper systematically reviews the major achievements in China's geothermal resources across four dimensions: resource endowments, development and utilization, scientific and technological innovation, and diversified applications. It also analyzes current opportunities and challenges and proposes future directions for development. China is endowed with abundant geothermal resources, accounting for approximately one-sixth of the global total, and has ranked first in the world in terms of direct geothermal utilization for consecutive years. Notable progress has also been made in geothermal technological innovation and deep-exploration endeavors. Nevertheless, the survey and assessment of geothermal resources still face several challenges, including a relatively weak foundation in basic geology, insufficient indigenous innovation capacity in core technologies and equipment, and an incomplete management system and market mechanism. To address these issues, future efforts in geothermal resource surveying should be consistently directed toward improving survey and evaluation accuracy, tackling key technological bottlenecks, promoting large-scale, intensive development, refining policy and standard systems, and strengthening international cooperation and exchanges. These endeavors are intended to facilitate the high-quality development of geothermal energy and contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions to the global geothermal community.