Sinopec Achieves Major Breakthrough in Shale Gas Exploration with Ziyang Dongfeng Field

Sinopec Achieves Major Breakthrough in Shale Gas Exploration

The China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, known as Sinopec, has announced a significant breakthrough in shale gas exploration. The company's Ziyang Dongfeng shale gas field in the Sichuan Basin has received official approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources of China, confirming proven geological reserves totaling 235.687 billion cubic meters. This accomplishment makes Ziyang the first ultra-deep shale gas field in China, featuring a volume exceeding 100 billion cubic meters and pushing exploration depths beyond 4,500 meters.

The Ziyang Dongfeng field, associated with the Cambrian Qiongzhusi formation, is not only a breakthrough in reserves but also in the methodology of the exploration process itself. The Cambrian period formation, being the oldest commercially useful shale formation on Earth, poses unique challenges. Its geological characteristics are often obscure, with complex accumulation mechanisms and formidable formations that can be difficult to drill through, in addition to extreme heat and pressure at such depths.

In face of these challenges, Sinopec's exploration team has moved past conventional methods. They integrated artificial intelligence into geophysical imaging, enabling them to perform a type of 'CT scan' on subterranean formations. This advanced technique allowed for more precise identification of the gas reserves as well as the overall geology of the site. Furthermore, by leveraging advancements in ultra-deep drilling and hydraulic fracturing, the team has developed a comprehensive technological system dedicated to shale gas exploration at unprecedented depths.

Liu Wei, director of the Sinopec Southwest Petroleum Bureau, mentioned, “After over a decade of persistent efforts, we have elevated the Cambrian shale gas reserves from zero to a scale of 100 billion cubic meters. This confirms the immense potential of this formation and offers us a reproducible technical pathway for extending the limits of shale gas development in China.” This announcement paves the way for the next phase of the project, which focuses on enhancing quality in exploration and production, expediting capacity growth at the Ziyang Dongfeng site, and contributing to national energy security.

Since its inception in the shale gas sector, Sinopec has pushed the boundaries. In 2012, the discovery of the Fuling shale gas field marked the beginning of commercial shale gas development in China, positioning the country as the third to achieve large-scale extraction, following the USA and Canada. By 2017, Sinopec successfully expanded Fuling into China’s first shale gas field with a production capacity of 10 billion cubic meters.

Continuing its efforts, Sinopec has ventured into deeper formations, with testing at fields such as Weirong (2018) and Qijiang (2022), and has announced upcoming developments for 2025 at Yongchuan and Hongxing, both estimated to hold over 100 billion cubic meters of reserves.

With a commitment to high-quality development in China's shale gas industry, Sinopec remains at the forefront of innovative exploration strategies, ensuring a sustainable energy future for the nation. The full details about Sinopec's shale gas development and operational milestones can be accessed at their official website: Sinopec Official Site.