Environmental impact assessment and management framework for hot dry rock development: a case study in Gonghe Basin, China

As an emerging clean energy source with significant potential for global energy transition, hot dry rock (HDR) development requires rigorous environmental assessment and management. This study focuses on China’s first integrated hot dry rock (HDR) pilot project in the Gonghe Basin, Qinghai, to assess its environmental impacts and establish a corresponding management framework. Through analysis of the local geological setting and construction-phase impacts, combined with a review of international HDR cases and environmental assessment methods, a multi-technique evaluation system was developed. Results show that induced seismicity represents a key risk, with a maximum predicted magnitude of M L 4.84, leading to the implementation of a “traffic-light” monitoring and control protocol. The study further proposes a structured environmental impact assessment (EIA) framework and highlights essential management strategies, including policy formulation, accountability mechanisms, and public engagement. As the Gonghe project is still in its early stages, EIA practices remain under development. Future efforts should enhance integrated impact assessment, strengthen public participation, and improve monitoring systems to ensure the sustainable development of HDR resources and support the transition to low-carbon energy.