In the rugged terrain of western Yunnan, a hidden treasure trove of geothermal energy lies beneath the surface, promising a sustainable and potent resource for the energy sector. A recent study, led by Hua Zhang from the Yunnan Key Laboratory of Geohazard Forecast and Geoecological Restoration in Plateau Mountainous Area, has shed new light on the characteristics and potential of the underground hot water circulation system in the Yingjiang basin. The research, published in *Carsologica Sinica* (which translates to “Chinese Karst Science”), offers a comprehensive analysis of the region’s geothermal resources, paving the way for future exploration and development.
The Yingjiang basin, nestled within the Gaoligongshan–Tengchong sub-area of western Yunnan, is a geological marvel shaped by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. This dynamic history has left the region with a complex network of faults, folds, and strata, creating an ideal environment for geothermal activity. “The Yingjiang basin is a fault basin formed by geological structure, and its geomorphology is divided into five categories,” explains Zhang. “This unique landscape provides the necessary conditions for the exposure of hot springs and geothermal resources.”
The study identified 38 geothermal points in the basin, classified into hot springs, hot wells, and open wells. However, the true extent of these resources has remained largely unexplored until now. Zhang and his team employed a combination of field investigations, mathematical models, and equations of atmospheric precipitation lines to analyze the geothermal geological structures, boundaries, and pathways of geothermal recharge.
One of the most significant findings of the study is the identification of a belt-shaped heat storage structure, controlled by principle faults and concealed faults. This structure is composed of magmatic rocks, metamorphic rocks, granitic sand conglomerate, and fine sandstone, providing an environment for geothermal heat storage and preservation. The highest temperature recorded in the study was a staggering 155°C in a borehole drilled by Dimete Company in the geothermal anomaly area of Lianhua mountain.
The research also revealed that the Yingjiang basin is characterized by strong neotectonic movements, structural development, and heat flow activities in the depth, suggesting that magma pockets are the source of heat energy in the area. Groundwater is recharged by the deep circulation of atmospheric precipitation infiltration in the mountainous areas around the basin, with a recharge distance of 2.0–9.9 km and a recharge depth of 1.6–3.0 km.
Based on the principles of geology, structure, temperature, and concentration of geothermal resources, the study divided the basin into four evaluation units, each with its unique characteristics and potential for geothermal development. The total heat stored by geothermal fluids in the study area is estimated to be 484.63×106 MJ, with a recoverable amount of geothermal fluids at 3.178 million m3·a−1.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are profound. As the world shifts towards sustainable and renewable energy sources, geothermal energy has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The Yingjiang basin’s vast geothermal resources could potentially power entire communities, providing a clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy solution.
Moreover, the study’s findings could shape future developments in the field of geothermal energy, offering valuable insights into the characteristics and potential of underground hot water circulation systems. As Zhang notes, “The study on geothermal genesis and the characteristics of the circulation system of hot water in the Yingjiang basin has improved the research of deep geothermal resources in the Yingjiang basin and western Yunnan, providing resource guarantee for the exploration, development, and utilization of geothermal resources.”
In conclusion, the research led by Hua Zhang offers a compelling glimpse into the untapped potential of geothermal energy in the Yingjiang basin. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights gained from this study could prove invaluable in the quest for sustainable and renewable energy solutions. With the findings published in *Carsologica Sinica*, the stage is set for further exploration and development of this promising resource, heralding a new era of clean energy for the region and beyond.