- Sinopec's Ziyang Dongfeng shale field: proven geological reserves of 2,356.87 billion cubic meters.
- Cambrian Qiongzhusi shale at 4,500-5,200 m burial depth with high temperatures and pressures.
- Key challenges: unclear reservoir characteristics, unknown enrichment mechanisms, and thick, hard-to-drill formations.
- Team developed a new geological model and integrated AI-based geophysical imaging plus ultra-deep drilling and fracturing technologies.
Overview
The Ministry of Natural Resources approved proven geological reserves of 2,356.87 billion cubic meters for the Ziyang Dongfeng shale gas field in Sichuan, reported by Sinopec.
Geology
The field is in the Sichuan Basin within the Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation shale system, with burial depths of about 4,500–5,200 m; the formation dates to roughly 540 million years ago.
Technical challenges
Exploration faces high temperatures and pressures, unclear reservoir characteristics, unknown enrichment mechanisms, and thick, hard‑to‑drill formations, described as a world‑class engineering challenge.
Technology and implications
Researchers developed a new enrichment and accumulation model, integrated AI into geophysical exploration for clearer reservoir delineation, and advanced ultra‑deep drilling and fracturing techniques, forming an independent technology system intended to support national energy security and enable large‑scale reserve and production growth.
