Technical Challenges and Strategy of Geothermal Energy Development from Hot Dry Rock

In this paper it summarizes the base technologies, key technologies, and game-changing technologies to promote the commercialization of hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal resources. The development of these technologies is very conducive to making new breakthroughs in HDR geothermal development, forming a batch of HDR exploitation demonstration areas, and supporting the adjustment of national energy structure and the realization of the dual-carbon target in China. According to the present situation of exploration, development and utilization of HDR at home and abroad, combined with the practice of scientific and technological exploration of HDR in Gonghe basin, the evaluation and site selection, efficient and low-cost drilling and geothermal utilization of HDR geothermal resources are defined as the base technologies. The key technologies include high-resolution exploration and characterization of HDR, efficient and complex fracture network reservoir creation, effective micro-seismic control, fracture network connectivity and reservoir characterization. The game-changing technologies include downhole liquid explosion fracture creation, downhole in-situ efficient heat transfer and power generation, CO2 and other working fluid for high-efficient power generation. © 2024 China University of Geosciences. All rights reserved.