Power Generation Technology ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (5): 909-922.DOI: 10.12096/j.2096-4528.pgt.25046

• New Energy • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research Progress on Comprehensive Utilization Technologies of Zero-Carbon Geothermal Energy

Shimeng LU1,2, Jianlin SUN1,2, Fanjie ZENG1, Xiaojie LIN3, Junzhan WU1, Tianyi MA1, Wei ZHONG3, Likun XIE4, Wei XIE5   

  1. 1.Polytechnic Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang Province, China
    2.National Elite Institute of Engineering, CNPC, Changping District, Beijing 100096, China
    3.College of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, Zhejiang Province, China
    4.China Xiong’an Group Smart Energy Company Limited, Baoding 071000, Hebei Province, China
    5.State Grid Xiong’an Siji Digital Technology Co. , Ltd. , Baoding 071000, Hebei Province, China
  • Received:2025-01-16 Revised:2025-04-07 Published:2025-10-31 Online:2025-10-23
  • Supported by:
    National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFE0108600);National Natural Science Foundation of China(51806190);“Pioneer” and “Leading Goose” R&D Program of Zhejiang Province(2024C03247)

Abstract:

Objectives In the context of “dual carbon” goals (carbon peak and carbon neutrality), promoting large-scale application of geothermal energy in zero-carbon regional energy systems represents a critical pathway for energy transition. This study systematically reviews the research progress in development and utilization technologies of geothermal energy, aiming to reveal its critical role in multi-energy complementary systems and to provide theoretical support and technical pathways for building efficient and stable zero-carbon energy systems. Methods This study analyzes the current research status of heat extraction technologies of direct geothermal energy, ground source heat pump technologies, and geothermal power generation technologies, and points out their existing problems. It introduces integrated energy systems that couple geothermal energy with carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), solar energy, biomass energy, and hydrogen energy. Additionally, the study evaluates the architecture of zero-carbon industrial parks and compiles case studies of zero-carbon projects. The prospects of integrating geothermal energy with cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) for the development of zero-carbon systems are explored. Future research directions for geothermal energy development and utilization technologies are proposed. Conclusions A preliminary framework for geothermal energy technologies has been established, but technical bottlenecks such as deep geothermal exploitation and adaptability improvement of enhanced geothermal systems remain to be overcome. Geothermal-based multi-energy coupled systems can significantly improve energy utilization efficiency, but challenges in system integration optimization and dynamic coordination remain unresolved. Digital technologies such as AI offer innovative approaches for precise geothermal resource development and system optimization. Demonstration projects in zero-carbon industrial parks validate the key role of geothermal energy in regional energy systems. Future efforts should prioritize key technologies such as reservoir modification, multi-energy complementarity, and intelligent regulation. Furthermore, policy support mechanisms should be strengthened to facilitate large-scale application of geothermal energy in the zero-carbon energy transition.

Key words: geothermal energy, renewable energy, solar energy, biomass energy, hydrogen energy, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), artificial intelligence (AI), zero-carbon energy

CLC Number: