PetroChina Taps Ultra-Deep Oil Reserves in Xinjiang

Chinese state-owned energy giant PetroChina has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to boost domestic oil production. The company has extracted over 26 million tonnes of oil equivalent from ultra-deep deposits at the Hade-Fuman field in Xinjiang, reaching depths of 6,000 metres. This development is part of China's broader strategy to reduce its reliance on imported hydrocarbons by tapping into challenging ultra-deep resources.

The Hade-Fuman field, now China's largest desert oil field, has seen the drilling of 485 ultra-deep wells. These wells are technically complex and more expensive to develop compared to shallower deposits. The field has become a key base for exploring and producing oil and gas from ultra-deep horizons, which are defined as deposits at depths of 6,000 metres or more.

China, the world's top crude oil importer, has been intensifying its exploration of domestic resources, including ultra-deep and shale deposits. In May, state energy company Sinopec reported that China's Ministry of Natural Resources approved geological reserves of 235.687 billion cubic metres at the Ziyang-Dongfeng shale gas field in Sichuan Province. This marked the establishment of China's first ultra-deep shale gas field with reserves exceeding 100 billion cubic metres.

The push for ultra-deep and shale gas exploration reflects China's determination to enhance energy security and reduce its dependence on foreign oil supplies. While technologically challenging, these efforts could significantly impact the country's energy landscape in the coming years.