Superhot Rock Geothermal in China

The document highlights that just 1% of China's superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 10,513 GW of energy capacity, potentially replacing all fossil fuels used for electricity production and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 5,943 megatonnes. It argues that this energy source offers a low land-use footprint, provides reliable 24/7 power, and allows for a transition of the existing oil and gas workforce into the zero-carbon sector.

• Preliminary modeling indicates that China possesses vast superhot rock geothermal resources; specifically, 1% of this resource could provide 10,513 GW of energy capacity and generate over 87,485,295 GWh of electricity.
• The energy potential from 1% of China's superhot rock resources is sufficient to meet the country's projected 2050 electricity demand of 11,515,878 GWh, leaving over 75,969,417 GWh for other uses like hydrogen production or exports.
• Utilizing 1% of this geothermal potential could theoretically replace all coal, oil, and natural gas in China's electricity production, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions of approximately 5,943 megatonnes.
• Superhot rock geothermal is highly energy-dense with a significantly lower land footprint than other energy sources; producing 1 GW requires roughly 12 km², compared to 180 km² for solar, 520 km² for offshore wind, and 14,000 km² for biomass.
• The technology provides a transition pathway for China's oil and gas sector, as subsurface expertise and assets, as well as roles for geoscientists and mechanics, are transferable to superhot rock geothermal production.

APA

Clean Air Task Force (n.d.). Superhot Rock Geothermal in China. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22144643/China-SHR-Regional-Assessment.pdf

Chicago

Clean Air Task Force. Superhot Rock Geothermal in China. n.d. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22144643/China-SHR-Regional-Assessment.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Clean Air Task Force |title=Superhot Rock Geothermal in China |url=https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22144643/China-SHR-Regional-Assessment.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{cleanairtaskforcendsuperhot, author = {{Clean Air Task Force}}, title = {{Superhot Rock Geothermal in China}}, institution = {Clean Air Task Force}, url = {https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22144643/China-SHR-Regional-Assessment.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }