**Abstract:** This paper provides a comprehensive introduction to ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology and its application in China, with a particular focus on the energy-saving performance of a GSHP demonstration project in Beijing. The analysis highlights the significant reduction in energy consumption achieved by this system compared to conventional heating methods.
**Keywords:** Ground source heat pump; energy saving; Beijing; Juer Alley; district groundwater heat pump; heating standard coal per square meter is 15 kg, which represents a 40% energy saving compared to the 25 kg of standard coal consumed by traditional coal-fired boiler systems. The payback period for the initial investment is approximately six years.
Through comparative studies of several representative projects, it becomes evident that the use of ground source heat pump technology can achieve energy savings of 30-50% in heating applications. According to engineering estimates, the initial investment for a groundwater-based GSHP system ranges from 300 to 400 yuan per square meter, while a soil-based system costs about 350 to 450 yuan per square meter. Compared to traditional coal-fired boiler systems, the initial investment is 1 to 3 times higher, and 34% to 150% higher than combined heat and power systems. However, these comparisons often overlook the infrastructure costs associated with traditional heating systems and fail to account for the additional benefits provided by GSHP systems, such as cooling, fresh air supply, and hot water generation.
According to the winter operation analysis report of 11 projects using GSHP technology in Beijing, the unit area operating costs range from 9.48 to 28.85 yuan, with 63% of the projects showing lower costs than central heating powered by coal. All projects also showed lower costs than those using fuel, gas, or electric boilers. Preliminary expert calculations suggest that the payback period for the incremental investment in GSHP systems is between 4 and 10 years.
**Main Challenges in Promoting GSHP Technology**
Currently, there are several key challenges hindering the widespread adoption of ground source heat pump technology in China.
First, public awareness and environmental consciousness have not been sufficiently developed. There is a lack of strong social support and public opinion promoting energy-saving technologies. Additionally, due to the relatively short development history of GSHP technology, there is still limited social recognition. In particular, the lack of awareness among decision-makers at the project level has significantly hindered the broader implementation of this renewable energy solution.
Second, although the initial investment in GSHP systems may appear high, the system eliminates the need for costly energy transmission and distribution infrastructure and offers multiple benefits such as cooling and fresh air. However, many property owners are still unaware of the long-term cost advantages of this technology.
Third, design issues remain a problem. Many design firms lack a full understanding of GSHP technology, leading to improper equipment selection or incorrect system configurations.
Fourth, there is resistance to change in traditional energy usage patterns. For example, Beijing has established extensive infrastructure, management systems, and service networks for traditional energy sources. These systems are continuously being upgraded and expanded, creating competition and conflict with the adoption of new renewable energy technologies.
**Suggestions for Promotion**
To accelerate the adoption of ground source heat pump technology, the following steps are recommended:
1. Immediately conduct scientific, economic, technical, and environmental assessments to evaluate the feasibility and impact of GSHP.
2. Give renewable energy, including GSHP, its proper place in national energy policies.
3. Develop specific local energy use plans that define regional energy types, technology routes, and integrate new renewable energy sources into overall planning.
4. Implement economic incentives to encourage the use of renewable energy sources.
5. Encourage design and development units to become active advocates and implementers of renewable energy solutions.
6. For government-funded projects, prioritize the use of mature renewable energy technologies to replace traditional energy sources.
7. Promote reforms in the traditional energy use system to support sustainable development.
By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, China can significantly enhance the adoption of ground source heat pump technology, contributing to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
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