- Sinopec connects its first geothermal power project to the grid in Xianyang, integrating power generation with helium extraction for industrial use.
- Helium extraction from geothermal wells in the Weihe Basin achieves 99.99% purity, reducing China’s reliance on helium imports.
- Sinopec plans to expand geothermal energy projects across China, using the Xianyang model to support the country’s clean energy transition.
Sinopec has connected its first geothermal power production project to China’s national grid. Sinopec Star Co., Ltd., its clean energy subsidiary, manages the deep geothermal pilot in Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, marking Sinopec’s entry into geothermal electricity generation.
This is the first project in China to combine geothermal power production with helium extraction. It aims to maximize the use of geothermal resources while producing helium, a crucial industrial gas for aerospace, healthcare, and scientific research sectors. Sinopec intends to boost clean energy output and reduce China’s reliance on helium imports.
Located in the Guanzhong region, the site sits atop rich geothermal resources. Sinopec drilled 3,000 meters deep at Baoshi Jiayuan, where the water temperature reaches 102°C. The well provides heating and electricity. During the heating season, the geothermal water heats 120,000 square meters. When not heating, the plant generates 700,000 kWh of electricity annually and extracts helium.
Helium extraction forms a vital aspect of this project. As a large helium consumer, China has long relied on imports to meet demand. Sinopec’s project seeks to address this by enabling domestic helium production. Engineers identified wells in the Weihe Basin with high helium concentrations. Sinopec uses advanced membrane separation and pressure-variable adsorption technologies to extract helium with 99.99% purity, paving the way for large-scale helium production from geothermal water.
Sinopec has also ramped up efforts to expand its clean energy portfolio. Already a significant player in geothermal energy, Sinopec operates heating systems covering over 100 million square meters in 72 cities. The company plans to increase its use of geothermal energy, especially in urban areas, to align with China’s energy transition goals.
Sinopec views the Xianyang geothermal project as a model for future developments. The company intends to replicate this success in other regions, including Xiong’an. The Xiong’an geothermal project has already earned recognition from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) as a global model for geothermal innovation.
Sinopec demonstrates its commitment to advancing China’s clean energy agenda through these initiatives. Sinopec creates a hybrid solution that enhances renewable energy production and the domestic helium supply by integrating geothermal power generation with helium extraction. This combination strengthens China’s energy security and meets the increasing demand for helium in critical industries.
Sinopec’s work in Xianyang showcases the importance of linking clean energy with strategic resource extraction. As China pushes towards a low-carbon future, projects like this will play a vital role in boosting renewable energy while addressing critical industrial needs. The Xianyang project highlights Sinopec’s leadership in driving both energy innovation and resource security for China.