In the heart of China’s energy landscape, a groundbreaking study led by Dehua Zhou from China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec) is set to redefine the future of coalbed methane (CBM) exploration and development. Published in the journal Meitan kexue jishu (translated as Coal Science and Technology), Zhou’s research delves into the intricate distribution characteristics and exploration prospects of CBM resources, offering a roadmap for Sinopec’s strategic planning and industry advancement.
The Ordos Basin has been a hotspot for deep CBM exploration since 2019, driving rapid industry growth. Zhou’s study, however, goes beyond mere observation, providing a systematic evaluation of CBM resources through a three-tiered progressive process. This approach, encompassing typical block analysis, parameter system construction, and regional extrapolation, aims to accelerate Sinopec’s CBM industry growth and optimize exploration strategies.
The findings are nothing short of transformative. Sinopec’s exploration areas are estimated to contain a staggering 10.31 trillion cubic meters of geological CBM resources, with 3.07 trillion cubic meters deemed recoverable. These resources are primarily distributed across the Ordos, southern Sichuan-northern Guizhou, Junggar, Bohai Bay, and eastern Yunnan-western Guizhou basins.
However, the journey to harness these resources is fraught with challenges. A significant portion, 7.69 trillion cubic meters or 74.6% of the total resources, is located in mountainous, desert, and loess plateaus terrains. “This significantly increases the complexity of exploration and development,” Zhou notes, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to overcome these geographical hurdles.
The study also reveals that mid to high rank coals host a substantial 8.95 trillion cubic meters of CBM, predominantly in the Ordos, southern Sichuan-northern Guizhou, Bohai Bay, and eastern Yunnan-western Guizhou basins. This finding underscores the potential of these regions in driving future CBM production.
Deep CBM, defined as resources buried deeper than 1,500 meters, shows high exploration potential. With a geological resource of 7.59 trillion cubic meters, deep CBM could be a game-changer for the industry. Zhou emphasizes the importance of sustained fundamental research, prioritized core technology development, and differentiated exploitation strategies to unlock this potential.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For Sinopec, it provides a scientific foundation for strategic planning, establishing a replicable framework for CBM exploration in other regions. For the broader energy sector, it offers insights into the future of CBM development, highlighting the need for technological innovation and strategic planning to overcome geographical and technical challenges.
As the world grapples with energy transition, Zhou’s research offers a glimpse into the future of CBM exploration. By providing a comprehensive evaluation of CBM resources and distribution characteristics, it paves the way for sustainable and strategic development of this vital energy resource. The study, published in Meitan kexue jishu, is a testament to Sinopec’s commitment to innovation and industry advancement, setting a new benchmark for CBM exploration and development.
