Deep Geothermal Resources with Respect to Power Generation Potential of the Sinian–Cambrian Formation in Western Chongqing City, Eastern Sichuan Basin, China

Xiaochuan Wu, Wei Wang (), Lin Zhang, Jinxi Wang, Yuelei Zhang and Ye Zhang
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Xiaochuan Wu: National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Shale Gas Exploration and Development, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China
Wei Wang: Chongqing Huadi Resources and Environment Technology Co., Ltd., Chongqing 401120, China
Lin Zhang: China National Petroleum Corporation Changqing Oilfield Branch Fifth Gas Production Plant, Xi’an 710016, China
Jinxi Wang: National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Shale Gas Exploration and Development, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China
Yuelei Zhang: Chongqing Huadi Resources and Environment Technology Co., Ltd., Chongqing 401120, China
Ye Zhang: National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Shale Gas Exploration and Development, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-15

Abstract: The Rongchang–Dazu region in western Chongqing (eastern Sichuan Basin, China), known for its seismic activity, is a promising area for deep geothermal resource development; however, practical development is limited. Key geological understandings, such as heat flux, geothermal gradients, the nature of heat sources, thermal reservoir rock characteristics, and the classification of geothermal resources, remain in need of further study. In this work, the targeted area is surrounded by Sinian–Cambrian carbonate gas fields. An analysis of the deep geothermal prospects was conducted using exploration and development data from the Gaoshiti–Moxi gas fields within the Longwangmiao and Dengying Formations. The results indicate that the Rongchang–Dazu area has relatively high heat flow values and geothermal gradients within the Sichuan Basin, correlating with fault structure and seismic activity. Gas test data confirm that the Longwangmiao Formation in the study area reaches depths of 4000 to 4500 metres and exhibits anomalous pressures and temperatures exceeding 140 °C. Meanwhile, the Dengying Formation of the Sinian system lies at depths of 5000 to 5500 metres, with normal pressure, minimal water production, and temperatures exceeding 150 °C, characterising it as a dry-hot rock resource. Adjacent to western Chongqing, the Gaoshiti area within the Longwangmiao Formation, with an estimated flow rate of 100 kg/s, shows that the dynamic investment payback period is significantly shorter than the estimated 30-year life of a geothermal power plant, indicating strong economic viability. Deep geothermal resource development aids in conserving gas resources and enhancing the energy mix in western Chongqing. Future research should prioritise understanding the links between basement faults, seismic activity, and heat flow dynamics.

Keywords: deep geothermal resource; power generation potential; Longwangmiao Formation; Dengying Formation; Sichuan basin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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