China has announced a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape its energy landscape. On Wednesday, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) confirmed the discovery and approval of the world’s first large, ultra-shallow gas field located in ultra-deep waters.
The Lingshui 36-1 gas field, situated southeast of Hainan, China’s southernmost island province, represents a monumental stride in bridging the technological divide in global energy exploration. With proven original gas in place (OGIP) exceeding 100 billion cubic meters, this find is set to significantly bolster China’s energy reserves.
What sets the Lingshui 36-1 gas field apart are its unique characteristics. Despite being in ultra-deep waters with an average depth of approximately 1,500 meters, the gas field is classified as ultra-shallow due to its average gas layer burial depth of just 210 meters. This combination poses both challenges and opportunities for extraction technologies.
The discovery of such a massive gas field in this complex environment underlines China’s advancing capabilities in offshore drilling and energy resource development. CNOOC’s achievement not only enhances China’s energy security but also showcases the nation’s commitment to innovation in overcoming technological barriers in the energy sector.
As the world continues to seek sustainable and secure energy sources, China’s latest discovery in the South China Sea underscores the potential of untapped offshore resources. The development of the Lingshui 36-1 gas field is poised to contribute significantly to meeting growing energy demands while propelling technological advancements in deep-water exploration.
Reference(s):
China discovers unprecedented massive gas field in South China Sea
cgtn.com
