Sinopec makes “breakthrough” ultra-deep shale gas discovery in China's Sichuan basin

(WO) – Sinopec made another breakthrough in its “Project Deep Earth” by announcing the discovery of the Hexingchang shale gas field in Sichuan, China. The proven geological reserves amount to 133.012 Bcm as  validated by the State Ministry of Natural Resources, which marks another integrated, ultra-deep and  tight-sandstone gas field of over 100 Bcm in China.

The Sichuan basin, located in southwestern China, is  known for its abundant natural gas reserves. Sinopec has discovered a series of large gas fields, such as:

• the Puguang gas field, the largest marine-phase sour gas field in China
• the Yuanba gas field,  the first ultra-deep marine-phase sour gas field in the world of over 7,000 m deep
• the Fuling shale gas field, the first 10-Bcm shale gas field in China
• and the Weirong shale gas field, China's first deep shale gas field with proven reserves of over 100 Bcm.

These projects are built upon Sinopec’s technological, exploration and development strengths.