Large Deep Coal Seam Gas Field Discovered in China's Ordos Basin
A significant deep coal seam gas field, the Yandong field, has been discovered in China's Ordos Basin, with proven reserves of 53.7 billion cubic meters. The find marks considerable progress in the exploration of the country's deep unconventional resources.
A substantial deep coal seam gas field, designated Yandong, has been discovered in China's Ordos Basin, as reported by CCTV citing Yanchang Petroleum Group. The field's proven geological reserves have been confirmed at 53.7 billion cubic meters and have been officially registered with the Ministry of Natural Resources. This discovery signifies major advancements in China's efforts to explore its deep unconventional energy resources.
The gas field is located in the southeastern part of the Ordos Basin, featuring two main coal seams in the Shanxi and Benxi formations at depths exceeding 2,000 meters. Experts estimate that the reserves can support an annual production capacity ranging from 800 million to 1 billion cubic meters.
Extracting deep coal seam gas presents significant technical challenges due to considerable depth and complex geological conditions. The research team at Yanchang Petroleum has developed a novel theory on gas accumulation and optimized drilling and production strategies. In 2024, their directional well, Chang 91 Piil, achieved a record daily output exceeding 106,000 cubic meters, setting a new national record for daily production from deep coal seam gas vertical and directional wells.
Following over three years of intensive research, the Yanchang Petroleum team has identified the accumulation patterns of deep coal seam gas in the southeastern Ordos Basin. They have also established an integrated drilling, fracturing, and production technological system, adaptable to various well types, which has led to historically significant increases in single-well output.