The new geothermal reserve was discovered 1,400 meters below the surface in the Shanghe County oilfield, part of the Shengli Oilfield in east China's Shandong Province.

A reserve of ground water measuring 70 meters and 58 degrees Celsius was discovered, and geologists estimate that the reserve will be able to supply 120 cubic meters of water per hour to a single well.

Geothermal energy is a new energy resource which has a brighter future than hydropower and fuels, said experts. It can be used in heating, in the textile and papermaking industries, the raising of tropical fish and in hot spring tourism.

Experts are continuing their exploration of the Shengli Oilfield so that the resources may be put to use as soon as possible.

Located in Dongying City, Shandong Province, the Shengli Oilfield boasts an oil reserve of 7 billion tons, second only to Daqing Oilfield in northeast China's Helongjiang Province.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2003)