Sinopec Achieves Groundbreaking Success with China’s Deepest Geothermal Well at 5,200 Meters

China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has achieved a significant milestone by completing the drilling of the Fushen-1 Well in Hainan, marking the deepest geothermal exploration well in China at a depth of 5,200 meters. This achievement not only uncovers the deep geothermal formation and enrichment processes in South China but also marks a significant advancement in the exploration of hot dry rock, both in terms of geographical scope and depth. This breakthrough is pivotal for the large-scale development and utilization of geothermal resources in South China, contributing to the adjustment of the energy structure. The Fushen-1 Well targets granite formations estimated to be 250 million years old.

Since the commencement of the exploration in August 2023, Sinopec has implemented several proprietary innovative technologies. These include a dual-drive drilling technique combined with high-pressure injection, enabling the team to reach the temperature limits for hot dry rock as defined by national energy industry standards. This exploration has led to the development of key technologies for the detection and evaluation of deep geothermal resources. Moving forward, Sinopec plans to conduct comprehensive research and field tests at the Fushen-1 Well. The aim is to establish South China’s first integrated platform for deep geothermal research, education, and experimentation. This initiative will support the development of theoretical methods and technical systems tailored to the region, aiding China in achieving its “Dual-Carbon” objectives. Deep geothermal energy, recognized for its stability, reliability, and ecofriendly nature, represents a promising avenue for renewable energy development. With vast reserves and widespread availability, deep geothermal energy is a significant, environmentally friendly resource. Geological surveys in China estimate that the hot dry rock geothermal resources within a depth range of 3 to 10,000 meters could equate to 856 trillion tons of standard coal. Extracting just 2% of these resources could fulfill China’s annual energy consumption over 2,993 times as of 2023. Sinopec is dedicated to leading the development and utilization of geothermal energy in China.

The company has already achieved a geothermal heating capacity of nearly 100 million square meters and operates several large-scale regional geothermal heating projects. Through its efforts, Sinopec has developed a series of core technologies for efficient exploration and has contributed to over 50% of the industry standards, including China’s first international geothermal association standard. In 2023, Sinopec also hosted the 7th World Geothermal Congress (WGC2023) in Beijing, underscoring its commitment to advancing geothermal energy development.