IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v16y2024i24p10962-d1543510.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Geothermal Condition Investigation and Resource Potential Evaluation of Shallow Geothermal Energy in the Yinchuan Area, Ningxia, China

Author

Listed:
  • Wengang Qu

    (School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Ministry of Water Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Chao Yang

    (Ningxia Survey and Monitor Institute of Land and Resources, Yinchuan 750004, China)

  • Hui Qian

    (School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Ministry of Water Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Panpan Xu

    (School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Ministry of Water Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Yanyan Gao

    (School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Ministry of Water Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Leiqiang Wei

    (School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Ministry of Water Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Qi Long

    (School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Ministry of Water Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China)

Abstract

Shallow geothermal energy (SGE) is a promising green and sustainable energy source, gaining prominence in light of the dual-carbon target. This study investigated the SGE resources in the Yinchuan area. Suitability zones and the potential of SGE resources were determined based on the comprehensive analysis about thermophysical parameters, hydrogeological conditions, and geological environment. Our findings revealed that the effective thermal conductivity in the Yinchuan area surpasses those of other cities, indicating significant potential for SGE. The thermostat layer depth ranges from 40 to 60 m, with a geothermal gradient between 0.81 and 6.19 °C/100 m. Regions with poor adaptability for a borehole heat exchanger (BHE) are mainly distributed in the western and southern parts of the Yinchuan area, whereas moderately and highly adaptable areas are primarily located in the central and eastern areas, respectively. The total geothermal resource of the BHE in the Yinchuan area amounts to 1.07 × 10 8 GJ/a, generating significant economic benefits of 1.07 × 10 9 CNY/a and saving 1.09 × 10 6 t/a of standard coal annually. This initiative leads to significant reductions in CO 2 , SO 2 , and NOx emissions by 2.61 × 10 6 t/a, 1.86 × 10 4 t/a, and 6.57 × 10 3 t/a, respectively. Additionally, it results in potential savings of 0.309 × 10 9 CNY/a in environmental treatment costs. The methods and models used in this study have potential for similar geothermal surveys in arid and cold regions. The results also contribute essential insights for policy formulation and sustainable development strategies related to shallow geothermal resources in the Yinchuan area.

Suggested Citation

  • Wengang Qu & Chao Yang & Hui Qian & Panpan Xu & Yanyan Gao & Leiqiang Wei & Qi Long, 2024. "Geothermal Condition Investigation and Resource Potential Evaluation of Shallow Geothermal Energy in the Yinchuan Area, Ningxia, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-30, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:24:p:10962-:d:1543510
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/24/10962/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/24/10962/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Casasso, Alessandro & Sethi, Rajandrea, 2016. "G.POT: A quantitative method for the assessment and mapping of the shallow geothermal potential," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 765-773.
    2. Caliskan, Hakan & Açıkkalp, Emin & Rostamnejad Takleh, H. & Zare, V., 2023. "Advanced, extended and combined extended-advanced exergy analyses of a novel geothermal powered combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 125-134.
    3. Jie Chen & Hao Wu & Hui Qian & Xinyan Li, 2018. "Challenges and prospects of sustainable groundwater management in an agricultural plain along the Silk Road Economic Belt, north-west China," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(3), pages 354-368, May.
    4. Ambreen, Tehmina & Kim, Man-Hoe, 2020. "Influence of particle size on the effective thermal conductivity of nanofluids: A critical review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    5. Walch, Alina & Mohajeri, Nahid & Gudmundsson, Agust & Scartezzini, Jean-Louis, 2021. "Quantifying the technical geothermal potential from shallow borehole heat exchangers at regional scale," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(P1), pages 369-380.
    6. Luo, Jin & Luo, Zequan & Xie, Jihai & Xia, Dongsheng & Huang, Wei & Shao, Haibin & Xiang, Wei & Rohn, Joachim, 2018. "Investigation of shallow geothermal potentials for different types of ground source heat pump systems (GSHP) of Wuhan city in China," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 230-244.
    7. Nieto, Jaime & Carpintero, Óscar & Lobejón, Luis Fernando & Miguel, Luis Javier, 2020. "An ecological macroeconomics model: The energy transition in the EU," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    8. Walch, Alina & Li, Xiang & Chambers, Jonathan & Mohajeri, Nahid & Yilmaz, Selin & Patel, Martin & Scartezzini, Jean-Louis, 2022. "Shallow geothermal energy potential for heating and cooling of buildings with regeneration under climate change scenarios," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(PB).
    9. Hu, Ziyuan & Gao, Zongjun & Xu, Xiqiang & Fang, Shaoyan & Zhou, Liangyu & Ji, Deshuai & Li, Fuquan & Feng, Jianguo & Wang, Min, 2022. "Suitability zoning of buried pipe ground source heat pump and shallow geothermal resource evaluation of Linqu County, Shandong Province, China," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 1430-1439.
    10. Saaty, Thomas L., 1990. "How to make a decision: The analytic hierarchy process," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 9-26, September.
    11. Yang, H. & Cui, P. & Fang, Z., 2010. "Vertical-borehole ground-coupled heat pumps: A review of models and systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 87(1), pages 16-27, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Miocic, Johannes M. & Krecher, Marc, 2022. "Estimation of shallow geothermal potential to meet building heating demand on a regional scale," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(C), pages 629-640.
    2. Li, Xiang & Yilmaz, Selin & Patel, Martin K. & Chambers, Jonathan, 2023. "Techno-economic analysis of fifth-generation district heating and cooling combined with seasonal borehole thermal energy storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 285(C).
    3. Luka Perković & Domagoj Leko & Amalia Lekić Brettschneider & Hrvoje Mikulčić & Petar S. Varbanov, 2021. "Integration of Photovoltaic Electricity with Shallow Geothermal Systems for Residential Microgrids: Proof of Concept and Techno-Economic Analysis with RES2GEO Model," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-21, March.
    4. Walch, Alina & Li, Xiang & Chambers, Jonathan & Mohajeri, Nahid & Yilmaz, Selin & Patel, Martin & Scartezzini, Jean-Louis, 2022. "Shallow geothermal energy potential for heating and cooling of buildings with regeneration under climate change scenarios," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(PB).
    5. Korhonen, Kimmo & Markó, Ábel & Bischoff, Alan & Szijártó, Márk & Mádl-Szőnyi, Judit, 2023. "Infinite borehole field model—a new approach to estimate the shallow geothermal potential of urban areas applied to central Budapest, Hungary," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 263-274.
    6. Wenting Ma & Moon Keun Kim & Jianli Hao, 2019. "Numerical Simulation Modeling of a GSHP and WSHP System for an Office Building in the Hot Summer and Cold Winter Region of China: A Case Study in Suzhou," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-17, June.
    7. Elisa Heim & Marius Laska & Ralf Becker & Norbert Klitzsch, 2022. "Estimating the Subsurface Thermal Conductivity and Its Uncertainty for Shallow Geothermal Energy Use—A Workflow and Geoportal Based on Publicly Available Data," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-19, May.
    8. Luo, Jin & Li, Peijia & Yan, Zezhou & Wu, Yungang, 2022. "An integrated 3D method to assess the application potential of GWHP systems in fluvial deposit areas," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 631-644.
    9. Luo, Jin & Zhang, Yuhao & Rohn, Joachim, 2020. "Analysis of thermal performance and drilling costs of borehole heat exchanger (BHE) in a river deposited area," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 392-402.
    10. Tissen, Carolin & Menberg, Kathrin & Benz, Susanne A. & Bayer, Peter & Steiner, Cornelia & Götzl, Gregor & Blum, Philipp, 2021. "Identifying key locations for shallow geothermal use in Vienna," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 167(C), pages 1-19.
    11. Bayer, Peter & Attard, Guillaume & Blum, Philipp & Menberg, Kathrin, 2019. "The geothermal potential of cities," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 17-30.
    12. Flavio Martins & Maria Fatima Almeida & Rodrigo Calili & Agatha Oliveira, 2020. "Design Thinking Applied to Smart Home Projects: A User-Centric and Sustainable Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-27, December.
    13. Jochen Wulf, 2020. "Development of an AHP hierarchy for managing omnichannel capabilities: a design science research approach," Business Research, Springer;German Academic Association for Business Research, vol. 13(1), pages 39-68, April.
    14. Wu, Zhangsheng & Li, Yue & Wang, Rong & Xu, Xu & Ren, Dongyang & Huang, Quanzhong & Xiong, Yunwu & Huang, Guanhua, 2023. "Evaluation of irrigation water saving and salinity control practices of maize and sunflower in the upper Yellow River basin with an agro-hydrological model based method," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 278(C).
    15. D’Inverno, Giovanna & Carosi, Laura & Romano, Giulia & Guerrini, Andrea, 2018. "Water pollution in wastewater treatment plants: An efficiency analysis with undesirable output," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 269(1), pages 24-34.
    16. Nermin Kişi, 2019. "A Strategic Approach to Sustainable Tourism Development Using the A’WOT Hybrid Method: A Case Study of Zonguldak, Turkey," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-19, February.
    17. Cassina, Lisa & Laloui, Lyesse & Rotta Loria, Alessandro F., 2022. "Thermal interactions among vertical geothermal borehole fields," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 1204-1220.
    18. Pathiraja, Erandathie & Griffith, Garry & Farquharson, Robert & Faggia, Rob, 2019. "The Cost of Climate Change to Agricultural Industries: Coconuts in Sri Lanka," International Journal on Food System Dynamics, International Center for Management, Communication, and Research, vol. 10(05), December.
    19. Ayodele, T.R. & Ogunjuyigbe, A.S.O. & Odigie, O. & Munda, J.L., 2018. "A multi-criteria GIS based model for wind farm site selection using interval type-2 fuzzy analytic hierarchy process: The case study of Nigeria," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 1853-1869.
    20. V. Srinivasan & G. Shainesh & Anand K. Sharma, 2015. "An approach to prioritize customer-based, cost-effective service enhancements," The Service Industries Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(14), pages 747-762, October.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:24:p:10962-:d:1543510. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.