From the point of view in worldwide range, the exploitation of geothermal energy is still on the stage to be demonstrated when the knowledge of geothermal resources are being accumulated, obtaining methods and technologies are being developed, the environment impact and sustainable development cost for heat reservoirs are being focused to concern, and international cooperation and research activities are being undertaken. Some developing countries have carried out the exploitation on geothermal resources contributing to support the economics.

 At least 83 countries in the world have been developed or have intentions to develop geothermal resources, and approximately 50 countries have calculated statistics on their geothermal resources. Until the end of 1997, the worldwide geothermal power plants have 7950MW in installed capacity, distributing at the following 20 countries:

The worldwide geothermal generation plants soared 1499.9MW in installed capacity until January, 1979, distributing in 11 countries in countries and regions of China, Salvador, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Turkey, Former Soviet Union and the US. According to the statistics, geothermal power generation surged 17% annually during the period from 1978 to 1985. After that, facing with the challenge of price decline on petroleum and natural gas, geothermal power can still remain its higher increment comparing with other energy generation.

The direct utilization of geothermal energy has been applied from small-sized and single project to large-scale projected utilization. The equipment for direct utilization of geothermal energy in 38 countries over the worldwide have its thermal power of 9047MW, among which the largest project, heat supply occupies 33%, washing, swimming and medical treatment occupy 19%, warm house covers 14%, heat pump covers 12%, cultivation covers 11%, industrial utilization covers 9%, drying of agricultural products covers 1%, snow broth covers 1%. Its yearly utilization energy is 120000TJ, accounting for 3.65 million equivalent unit of petroleum.

The following regions or applicable fields have most potential to be further developed in the future:

a.        In the region where the resource is associated with the geological location of the household (in a distance within10km)

b.        In the region that has higher density in thermal load and cool load (larger than 36MW/km²)

c.        In the region that the food and crops are dewatered in particular the tropical country where the crops are easily to be deteriorated.

d.        In the warm house with cool climate

e.        Soil thermal resource and underground water heat pump for keeping the favorable growth for cultivation, heat supply and cooling.

Related Topics:

Geothermal in Developed Countries: 

Iceland, U.S., Japan, New Zealand, EC Countries

Geothermal  in Developing  Countries: 

China, Philippines, Indonesia, Costa Rica, EI Salvador, Central America, Pacific Islands Countries