Abstract:

Based on the theoretical understanding of a “cold crust and cold mantle” geological structure, Xinjiang has long been considered relatively poor in geothermal resources, with its overall exploration and utilization significantly lagging behind eastern China. As part of the Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition Program, the geothermal study involved supplementary field surveys alongside the collection and systematization of existing geothermal research data from across Xinjiang. The expedition newly identified 11 geothermal sites and established two models of geothermal resource occurrence, estimating the region’s geothermal potential to be equivalent to over 1.8 billion tons of standard coal. Survey results indicate that Xinjiang’s geothermal resources are primarily distributed in intermountain uplifted areas, showing significant overlap with population centers. The region’s relatively small population implies a relatively high per capita geothermal resource endowment, underscoring its considerable development potential. The distribution of geothermal resources in Xinjiang exhibits a distinct pattern: generally poorer endowment in the north versus richer endowment in the south. The North Xinjiang Tianshan and Altay Mountain regions host widespread medium-low temperature hydrothermal resources formed by deep fracture circulation, while the South Xinjiang Pamir Plateau, influenced by the India-Eurasia plate collision, contains the only high-temperature geothermal system so far discovered in Xinjiang. However, the overall development and utilization of these resources remains limited, characterized by singular applications such as bathing, healthcare, and tourism, concentrated mainly in the more accessible and economically developed North Xinjiang; development in the south is comparatively scarce. This scientific expedition has clarified the distribution and status of Xinjiang’s geothermal resources. Based on these findings and aligned with Xinjiang’s territorial spatial planning and ‘Dual Carbon’ goals, the research team proposes the following development pathways: promoting “geothermal power generation + comprehensive utilization” in southern Xinjiang areas such as Tashkurgan County; advancing “Geothermal +” integrated energy development in northern Xinjiang areas like Wenquan County; and enhancing the utilization of shallow to medium-depth geothermal energy from rock and soil layers throughout the Urumqi-Changji-Shihezi urban agglomeration.

Key words: The Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition Program, energy transition, resource endowment, geothermal development, geothermal power generation, geothermal heating