Tibet’s geothermal resources to fulfil China’s clean energy dream

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The largest proportion of Chinese geothermal power plants are found in Tibet. (Photo courtesy: CNS)
The largest proportion of Chinese geothermal power plants are found in Tibet. (Photo courtesy: CNS)

(TibetanReview.net, Jan18’16) – China says its geothermal energy potential could replace coal in energy consumption and that 80 percent of its high-temperature geothermal resources of over 150 degrees Celsius are found in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) alone, reported China’s official Xinhua news agency Jan 16. The report said a recent new survey had revealed that the region had 672 geothermal sites with a combined power generation potential of 800,000 kilowatts.

The report cited the TAR regional bureau of geology and mineral exploration as saying the geothermal resources were found along the plateau railway link in Lhasa, Nyemo, Yambajan (Yangpachen), Nagqu (Nagchu) and near Cona (Tsona) Lake, in areas near the Yarklunggtsangpo (Yarlung Tsangpo river), Lhasa and Nyainchu (Nyangchu) rivers, as well as in the vast uninhabited areas of northern TAR.

The report said the TAR government will invest heavily in the coming decade to exploit clean and renewable energy, including geothermal and solar energy.

The report said China’s geothermal energy resources, concentrated mainly in TAR, were equivalent to roughly 853 billion tonnes of standard coal, and had the potential replace coal in energy consumption.

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