When Sinopec, China’s petroleum giant, made the unconventional move to transition from oil drilling to geothermal well drilling, skepticism abounded. However, their strategic pivot towards renewable geothermal heat for residential and commercial buildings in Chinese cities proved to be a calculated and successful business decision. The global shift towards electrification, climate goals, and the financial strain on gas utilities has prompted a crisis in the industry. While Western gas companies struggle with inadequate solutions like hydrogen blending and biogas, Sinopec's approach stands out. By investing in geothermal district heating networks and offering stable, predictable heating services, Sinopec has effectively addressed customer needs and regulatory pressures, setting a new standard in the industry. The contrast between Western utilities' slow progress in renewable heating and Sinopec's proactive geothermal strategy highlights the importance of scaling up thermal infrastructure for long-term sustainability.