Why the slow progress in power generation?

The mismatch between resources and consumption areas also hinders the development of geothermal power generation. In China, the medium and high temperature geothermal energy that can be used for power generation is mostly distributed in the southwest of southern Tibet, western Yunnan, western Sichuan, etc., and the power consumption is mainly in the eastern coast, and the distribution of geothermal resources does not match the demand for electricity consumption, which makes the construction, operation and power transmission costs of geothermal power stations remain high.

Zhang Dawei believes that in order to achieve the large-scale development of geothermal power generation, we need to start from four aspects.

First, we will comprehensively deepen exploration of geothermal energy resources. Geological survey and potential evaluation of geothermal energy; Optimize favorable target areas and exploration targets for geothermal energy; The establishment of geothermal energy exploration and development pilot areas.

Second, we will strengthen research on geothermal energy theory, key technologies and equipment. For example, strengthen the research on the composition of medium and deep geothermal heat sources and the heat control mechanism of new structures, and the efficient power generation technology of medium and low temperature geothermal energy.

Third, we will carry out demonstration projects for the development and utilization of geothermal energy. Efforts will be made to build Dali into a carbon neutral demonstration zone in western Yunnan, a national "multi-energy complementary" demonstration base, and a "Yunnan Dali National Demonstration zone for high-quality development of thermal energy".

Fourth, we will introduce supporting policies to encourage the development and utilization of geothermal energy. The government has increased investment, encouraged private investment, introduced comprehensive electricity prices for geothermal energy power generation projects, and reduced and exempted geothermal energy resource taxes and royalties for exploration and mining rights.

New mode of cascade utilization

As a region rich in geothermal resources, Dali has begun to explore a new model and become a pilot city for a new round of geothermal power generation and cascade utilization.

Geothermal cascade utilization refers to the step-by-step utilization of geothermal energy according to different temperatures. Under normal circumstances, high temperature geothermal energy will be used for power generation, medium and low temperature geothermal energy is used for heating, bathing, breeding and so on.

The hot spring in Xiashidong Village, Midu County, Dali, is currently mainly used for villagers' domestic water. Photo: Hot spring in Xiashidong Village, Dali Midu County, Houruining, is currently mainly used for villagers' domestic water. Photograph: Hou Ruining

Qu Jian, head of Dali Spring Muyuan Agricultural Technology Company, is looking forward to geothermal cascade utilization and development. According to him, the company's greenhouse consumes about 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas every year, and the energy consumption cost exceeds 5 million yuan, accounting for 30% of the total cost.

"By replacing natural gas with geothermal energy, companies can reduce their energy costs by a third." Qu Jian said.

At the "Media into China geothermal" news briefing, Dali Executive Vice Governor Li Su said that in the "Dali Industry revitalization three-year Action Plan (2022-2024)" clearly listed geothermal energy as one of the key development of new energy industries.

2022 is the pilot exploration period of Dali geothermal resources, 2023-2025 is the period of industrial cultivation and development, 2026-2030 is the period of industrial development and growth, explore the exploration and development and comprehensive utilization of geothermal energy model, and build Dali national geothermal energy high-quality development demonstration zone.

Peng Jianhua, director of Dali Energy Bureau, said that Dali through the geothermal resource exploration of two pilot counties in Midu and Erhai, the preliminary optimal block is predicted to develop 20-40 MW installed geothermal power generation projects.

The Midu River drainage area, as the first pilot, is a cascade comprehensive utilization development based on 20 MW installed power generation, with an investment of about 1 billion yuan. Among them, 600 million yuan is power generation projects, and 400 million yuan is invested in comprehensive utilization projects.

At present, the implementation plan of Dali geothermal development has been studied and released by the General meeting of Dali People's Government, and the work of setting exploration rights and attracting investment is being carried out.

The relevant leaders of Dali State said that the economy of the single geothermal power generation project depends on the clarity of the national electricity price policy. If the state introduces a power price support policy, it will greatly encourage the smooth progress of pilot projects.