Occurrence types and genesis models of hot dry rock resources in China

As a significant part of geothermal resources, the hot dry rock (HDR) resources have drawn more and more attentions because it potentially can provide clean, stable, and huge potential of high-temperature geothermal energy. China started research on HDR resources since 1990s, relatively later than advanced countries. Until now, researches on the genetic mechanisms and the occurrence of HDR resources are still inadequate, which hinders the exploration and precise potential estimation of HDR resources in China. Based on the geological indicators of the occurrence of HDR resources, by combining the genetic analysis of HDR resources in the world and crustal structure in China, we classified the HDR resources into four types, i.e., the high radioactive heat production type, the sedimentary basin type, the modern volcano type, and the inner-plate active tectonic zone type. This classification could provide geological guidance for HDR resource targeting in certain areas and facilitate further developments.