| Abstract |
As part of the “Diversified Energy Portfolios” strategy, PetroChina has expanded its geothermal operations over the past decade, especially within petroliferous basins. To date, the cumulative area of geothermal heating projects has surpassed 50 million square meters. This study outlines PetroChina’s geothermal progresses, with a focus on technological applications across diverse geological settings. PetroChina’s licensed oil & gas basins host varied geothermal play types: (1) Neogene sandstone reservoirs with the capacity of large-scale direct heating and pressure-free reinjection (e.g., Caofeidian, Bohai Bay Basin); (2) Karstified carbonate reservoirs with high production rates, for which buried hills are identified as favorable targets (e.g., Rongcheng, Bohai Bay Basin); (3) Mesozoic tight-sandstone reservoirs, in which deep U-shape borehole heat exchanger (e.g., Chaoyang, Songliao Basin) and reservoir stimulation (e.g., Qianan, Songliao Basin) have been tested, and (4) Deep natural gas co-produced geothermal fluids, which is used for electricity generation with ORC (e.g., Moxi, Sischuan Basin). These advancements demonstrate how PetroChina effectively adapt oil and gas technologies—including seismic exploration, hydraulic fracturing, and horizontal drilling—to enhance geothermal development. Challenges of geothermal projects in sedimentary basins, such as scale-up feasibility and economic viability are also discussed. |