Petrological, Geochronological and Geochemical Constraints on Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Applications

Abstract

In the past forty years, the investigation on Hot Dry Rock (HDR) geothermal resource has been a hot topic. A great number of investigations confirm that electricity power generated from HDR is feasible and propose that a right HDR site is composed of basement rock and its overlying cover. In the present study, we explore the petrology, geochronology and geochemistry features of the HDR basement rocks with the aim to further optimize HDR siting conditions. Combined analyses show that young S-type or crustally-derived granites with high U, Th and K contents have great potential to develop HDR geothermal resources.