Two stages power generation test of the hot dry rock exploration and production demonstration project in the Gonghe Basin, northeastern Qinghai-Tibet plateau, China

The Hot Dry Rock (HDR) is considered as a clean and renewable energy, poised to significantly contribute to the global energy decarbonization agenda. Many HDR projects worldwide have accumulated valuable experience in efficient drilling and completion, reservoir construction, and fracture simulation. In 2019, China Geological Survey (CGS) initiated a demonstration project of HDR exploration and production in the Gonghe Basin, aiming to overcome the setbacks faced by HDR projects. Over the ensuing four years, the Gonghe HDR project achieved the first power generation in 2021, followed by the second power generation test in 2022. After establishing the primary well group in the initial phase, two directional wells and one branch well were drilled. Noteworthy progress was made in successfully constructing the targeted reservoir, realizing inter-well connectivity, power generation and grid connection, implementing of the real-time micro-seismic monitoring. A closed-loop technical validation of the HDR exploration and production was completed. However, many technical challenges remain in the process of HDR industrialization, such as reservoir fracture network characterization, efficient drilling and completion, multiple fracturing treatment, continuous injection and production, as well as mitigation of induced seismicity and numerical simulation technology.