Geothermal energy is heat energy contained in the interior of the Earth and it is a clean, low carbon, widely distributed, largely reserved, safe and high quality renewable energy.

It is mainly used for direct utilization (space heating, cooling, industrial drying, health, tourism, cultivation, and so on.) and power generation.

China is rich in geothermal resources. However, the ratio of explored and utilized geothermal energy is still low.

The utilization of shallow geothermal energy has increased remarkably.

Annual exploitable amount is equivalent to 1.865 billion tons standard coal.

The annual exploitable shallow geothermal resources of 336 cities above prefecture-levels are equivalent to 700 million tons of standard coal.

The amount of hot dry rocks of prospective areas is equivalent to 856 trillion tons of standard coal.

Currently, China's annual utilization of geothermal resources is equivalent to 21 million tons, of which only 0.2% geothermal resources of hydrothermal type and only 2.3% of shallow geothermal resources have been exploited.

Therefore, geothermal resources have a tremendous exploitation and utilization potential.

Thank to the existing technology, scientific exploitation and utilization of geothermal resources can save 1 billion tons of coal annually.

The efficient utilization of shallow geothermal resources in 336 cities about prefrcture-levles can save 250 million tons of coal annually. The efficient utilization of underground geothermal resources can save 750 million tons of coal annually.

Geothermal resources can efficiently cut emissions and save energy. They can also effectively reduce dust haze.