Research on Sustainable Shallow Geothermal Potential in Jinan Start-Up Area, China

Abstract

Shallow geothermal energy (SGE), as an important renewable energy, playing an important role in reducing carbon emissions. In order to efficiently and sustainably utilize SGE, field investigation and storage estimation are needed. In this study, the hydrogeological data obtained from the field exploration of Jinan Start-up Area were collected and compiled. By analyzing the geotechnical property data and thermal response test results, the information of geotechnical and thermal properties and underground temperature distribution characteristics were collected. Subsequently, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) combined with the comprehensive index method (CIM) were used to classify the shallow geothermal potential of Jinan Start-up Area. The entire area was divided into a high-potential area, medium-potential area and general area, of which 92.2% was high-potential area. The preliminary results, combined with the parameters obtained from the testing, indicate that the SGE storage at a borehole depth of 120 m is estimated to be approximately 2.68 × 1012 kJ·K−1, while the heat exchanger power of the buried pipe at the same depth is calculated to be around 1.73 × 105 kW. Finally, suggestions are given for sustainable development and utilization of SGE in this area.