After reviewing the development of global geothermal industry as well as that in China, this paper systematically combs the key issues including the potential and the occurrence of geothermal resources in the Yangtze River Delta region, which has been mapped and announced by the central government for integrated economic development, the innovative technologies for geothermal comprehensive utilization, and the innovative models for geothermal industry development. On this basis, the paper puts forward strategic suggestions for the development of geothermal industry in the region. The main understanding is that in the economically developed Yangtze River Delta region, the population density is high, the proportion of building energy consumption is also high, and in recent years, the air temperature in the south has repeatedly set new low, and the demand for heating and cooling of residents is increasing, while relying on coal heating causes the deterioration of air quality in winter, and the shortage of clean energy is increasing, which is a difficult demand to meet in the energy sector. It can be concluded that, the Yangtze River Delta region is rich in geothermal resources, and has a large market demand and a good foundation for development and utilization, but the degree of development and utilization is still insufficient. If the top-level master plan is formulated, which is then incorporated into local social and economic planning, and guided by supportive policies, the comprehensive development and utilization of geothermal energy is expected to make greater contributions to the energy transition and meeting the goal of carbon neutrality.

roadmap  /  geothermal direct use  /  carbon neutrality  /  district heating  /  the Yangtze River Delta  /  heat storage