Wedoany.com Report-Dec.29, As of December 28, the CO₂ injection volume at PetroChina Xinjiang Oilfield this year has exceeded one million tons, making it China's first oilfield to achieve an annual CO₂ injection of one million tons. This marks a crucial step for Xinjiang Oilfield in the large-scale application of CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) technology, providing significant technical support and a practical pathway for China's oil and gas extraction sector to achieve its carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.

Located in the Junggar Basin, Xinjiang Oilfield is the first major oilfield discovered in New China. CCUS involves capturing and purifying CO₂ emitted during production processes and then utilizing and storing it in new production cycles. According to calculations by Xinjiang Oilfield, injecting one million tons of CO₂ is equivalent to planting nearly 9 million trees.

"Since taking the lead in exploring CO₂ flooding for enhanced oil recovery at the beginning of this century, we have overcome a series of technical bottlenecks related to geology, reservoirs, and process compatibility through the 'triple drive' of management, technology, and industry, gradually establishing the 'Junggar Model' characterized by 'secure carbon supply, efficient displacement, and safe storage,'" said Shi Daohan, Executive Director and Party Secretary of Xinjiang Oilfield. He noted that the annual CO₂ injection volume has surged from 126,000 tons in 2022 to one million tons in 2025, with a cumulative injection exceeding two million tons.

At the CO₂ miscible flooding pilot test station in the 530 well block of the No. 8 District, Xinjiang Oilfield's No. 2 Oil Production Plant, an on-duty worker lightly taps a control. At Well 80516, tens of kilometers away, a capsule-shaped white storage tank, 10 meters long and 5 meters high, continuously injects CO₂ underground. On the screen, the oil pressure at Well 80516 gradually increases.

"Developing CCUS not only serves the national 'Dual Carbon' strategy but also significantly improves crude oil recovery rates, holding strategic importance for ensuring national energy security," said Ding Chao, Manager of the Development Division at Xinjiang Oilfield. He stated that CO₂ injection for enhanced oil recovery has shown a clear improvement in extraction efficiency compared to traditional water flooding, achieving a win-win situation for emission reduction and production increase.

The Junggar Basin is a crucial national energy base. The carbon storage capacity within Xinjiang Oilfield's production area can reach the level of billions of tons. With surrounding areas hosting a concentration of industrial enterprises and strong industrial synergy, it possesses favorable conditions for vigorously developing a CCUS industrial cluster.