China adds a new breakthrough with the development of the Hongxing field, a shale gas reserve of more than 165 billion m3 located between Hubei and Chongqing. Approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources, this reserve makes the area a new strategic pole for the national energy sector.
The new field is part of the Jianghan oil field and is located in Permian formations at depths ranging from 3300 to 5500 meters. It is a geologically challenging environment, with structural deformations that have historically hindered its development. However, Sinopec technical teams have applied new technologies to overcome these barriers and optimize production in thin layers.
Technological advances implemented by Sinopec
The solutions developed include geological-engineering integration, an improved theory of shale gas enrichment and the use of complex, high-conductivity fracturing techniques.
Thanks to these improvements, production from a single well was increased from 89,000 to more than 323,000 cubic meters per day.
The project marks a successful expansion beyond traditional Silurian strata and represents the first large-scale Permian layered shale gas field in the country. This breakthrough positions the region as an area of interest for future deep exploration.
Context within the national shale gas development.
Since the discovery of the Fuling field in 2012, China has accelerated its unconventional gas development strategy. Fuling was followed by Weirong, Qijiang and Yongchuan, all with production capacities exceeding 100 billion m3.
With Hongxing, the number of large deposits rises to five.
Sinopec will continue to evaluate new areas of interest and promote applied research to optimize shale gas production in complex environments.
Source: Sinopec
Photo: CCTV
