Sinopec Achieves Groundbreaking Success at Ziyang Dongfeng Shale Gas Field with Massive Reserves

Sinopec Achieves Unprecedented Breakthrough at Ziyang Dongfeng Shale Gas Field

In a monumental development for China's energy landscape, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has confirmed that its Ziyang Dongfeng shale gas field boasts proven reserves of 235.687 billion cubic meters. This finding positions the field among the country's elite as the first ultra-deep shale gas reservoir exceeding 100 billion cubic meters.

The breakthrough comes as part of Sinopec's ambitious "Project Deep Earth - Sichuan and Chongqing Natural Gas Base." This project aims to extend natural gas production capabilities in the region, and the Ziyang Dongfeng site is central to these efforts. The field is located in the Chengdu Plain of the Sichuan Basin, where the geological formations present significant challenges; it lies 4,500 to 5,200 meters beneath the surface, representing one of the oldest commercial shale layers known to man, the Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation, which dates back approximately 540 million years.

The complexities of the Ziyang Dongfeng site are formidable. The extremely deep formations are characterized by unclear reservoir traits and overly thick layers that complicate drilling efforts. Moreover, the intense heat and pressure at such depths add to the challenge, making conventional exploration methods less effective.

Sinopec's success can largely be attributed to innovative approaches that integrate advanced technology into exploration strategies. By leveraging artificial intelligence for geophysical imaging, the Sinopec team effectively "CT-scanned" the sub-surface formations. This technological advancement enabled improved reservoir identification and gas detection. Coupled with cutting-edge techniques for ultra-deep drilling and fracturing, these approaches have led to a proprietary technology system specific to Cambrian ultra-deep shale gas exploration, setting a precedent for future operations.

Reflecting on nearly a decade of tireless work, Liu Wei, director of Sinopec Southwest Petroleum Bureau, noted, "We have transitioned Cambrian shale gas from discovery to maintaining a reserve base of over 100 billion cubic meters. This accolade affirms the immense potential of these formations and provides a replicable technical roadmap for expanding shale gas development across China."

Looking ahead, Sinopec aims to maintain momentum by ensuring high-quality exploration and production at Ziyang Dongfeng while enhancing its overall operational capacity. This ambitious outlook aligns with national priorities around energy security and has implications for both domestic consumption and international energy markets.

Sinopec’s journey in the shale gas realm began in earnest in 2012. The pioneering exploration of the Fuling shale gas field marked China's entry onto the global shale gas stage, positioning the nation as the third worldwide to realize commercial-scale shale gas production, following the United States and Canada. By 2017, Sinopec’s advancements had made Fuling China’s first 10 billion cubic meter capacity shale gas field.

Further explorative endeavors led to the discovery of the Weirong shale gas field in 2018, the Qijiang shale gas field in 2022, and more recently, the Yongchuan and Hongxing fields in 2025, all exceeding the 100 billion cubic meters reserve mark. Such accomplishments not only reinforce Sinopec's role as a linchpin in China's energy strategy but also form a blueprint for similar projects across various regions.

In a world increasingly reliant on diverse energy sources, Sinopec's achievements at Ziyang Dongfeng represent a beacon of progress. The continuous refinement of their processes and technologies holds the promise of enhancing national energy self-sufficiency and stability in the face of evolving global energy demands. As the company sets its sights on the future, the focus remains clear: accelerating development to ensure a stable energy supply for China in the years to come.

For further details on Sinopec and its shale gas ventures, visit Sinopec's website.