ABSTRACT
The potential for a robust strategic partnership in geothermal energy between China and the GCC states is underpinned by their mutual commitment to a low-carbon future, energy security, and economic growth. This collaboration is well-positioned to accelerate and scale up geothermal development, providing sustainable energy solutions in a world still heavily reliant on fossil fuels. By leveraging their shared interests, resources, and expertise, China and the GCC can make substantial advances in implementing geothermal energy. Their technological, financial, and policy collaborations are pivotal in driving geothermal development forward.
China’s strengths in heat extraction and utilization technologies can complement the GCC’s geothermal resources. China’s industrial and technological capabilities can be harnessed through collaborative investments, while the GCC offers strategic regional opportunities for growth. Furthermore, China’s experience with regulatory frameworks can serve as a benchmark for the GCC states, aiding them in developing their regulatory structures and risk mitigation strategies to exploit their geothermal resources.
This chapter is structured into four sections. It begins with an overview of geothermal energy, examining electricity generation globally and the direct use of geothermal resources. The second section delves into geothermal technology ecosystems. The third section examines the technological trajectories and policies that will shape the future of geothermal energy in China. The chapter concludes by considering the role of geothermal energy in meeting energy needs and decarbonizing energy systems within the GCC countries. It also highlights recommended policy interventions and technological roadmaps necessary to propel geothermal development forward.
