Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 18, China’s largest shale gas production base in the southern Sichuan Basin, located in southwest Sichuan Province, has achieved cumulative output exceeding 100 billion cubic meters, becoming the nation’s first shale gas field to reach this milestone. The achievement highlights the region’s importance in supporting stable energy supply and strengthening natural gas development capacity.
PetroChina Southwest Oil and Gasfield Company, together with its partners, overcame difficult geological conditions such as deep burial and thin layers by applying advanced technologies. These included 3D geological modeling, optimized drilling techniques, and precision fracturing methods. The adoption of such innovations has enabled efficient development of reserves that are otherwise challenging to exploit.
Between January and August, the field recorded notable progress with 237 new wells completed, adding 4.5 billion cubic meters of production capacity. Daily output surpassed 48 million cubic meters, reaching a historic high. According to company projections, annual output is expected to exceed 16 billion cubic meters by the end of the year. This would account for 60 percent of China’s shale gas production and 7 percent of the nation’s overall natural gas supply.
Since operations began at the first shale gas well, the base has steadily expanded its scale and capacity. Proven reserves now exceed 1.5 trillion cubic meters, supported by more than 2,300 operating wells. These results underline the base’s position as a central contributor to China’s energy system and as a driver of long-term growth in domestic gas production.
Shale gas, mainly composed of methane, is widely regarded as a clean energy resource. Its development not only enhances China’s ability to diversify energy sources but also provides additional supply security to meet growing domestic demand. The progress in Sichuan demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating technological innovation with large-scale development.
The base’s performance also reflects the broader trend of expanding natural gas as part of China’s energy portfolio. The successful deployment of advanced drilling and fracturing solutions has set an example for further shale gas exploration in other regions. By building capacity and increasing efficiency, the industry continues to strengthen its role in ensuring stable, reliable, and cleaner energy for the country.
With output climbing steadily and reserves confirmed at significant levels, the Sichuan shale gas base has established itself as a foundation for future growth. Its contributions highlight both the technical expertise developed within China and the potential for further expansion of natural gas as a strategic energy source. The milestone of 100 billion cubic meters of cumulative production marks a new stage in the development of shale gas resources, reinforcing the role of Sichuan as a key hub in the country’s energy landscape.
