Sinopec achieves major gas field breakthrough in Sichuan Basin

China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has recently attained a significant milestone in its exploration endeavours, unveiling a proven geological reserve of 30.55 billion cubic meters of natural gas in the first phase of the Bazhong gas field. This breakthrough, realized under Sinopec’s ambitious Project Deep Earth-Sichuan and Chongqing natural gas base, showcases the promising potential of the tight sandstone in northeast Sichuan, China.The certification of the vast 30.55-billion-cubic-meter natural gas reserve marks a pivotal moment for Sinopec and the energy industry at large. The Bazhong gas field marks the third discovery of the Xujiahe Formation tight sandstone gas field by Sinopec within the region. This recent achievement adds to the already impressive portfolio of discoveries, totalling a staggering 154,747 million cubic meters of proven geological reserves of tight sandstone gas within the same region.Distinguished by its burial depth of over 4,500 meters, the sandstone gas reserve falls into the classification of an ultra-deep, tight sandstone gas reservoir. The Bazhong gas field’s burial depth spans an impressive range from 4,550 to 5,225 meters, introducing a formidable challenge for exploration and development efforts. Undeterred by these complexities, Sinopec has demonstrated innovation through the creation of three distinct high-quality reservoir and permeability development models.These models, aimed at illuminating natural gas enrichment and high-yield production approaches, stand as a testament to Sinopec’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of energy exploration and exploitation. By establishing a sequence of reservoir prediction techniques, Sinopec has taken crucial steps towards unlocking the vast potential of these ultra-deep gas reservoirs. Implementing strategies to identify and harness enriched high-yield zones, the company has proven its prowess in adapting to the unique demands of the Bazhong gas field.With this groundbreaking discovery and its subsequent achievements, Sinopec is now poised to continue its unwavering dedication to energy exploration. Looking ahead, the company is set to confront the challenges of geological evaluation and engineering processes pertinent to the tight sandstone shale gas reserves present within the Sichuan Basin. Through these endeavours, Sinopec aims to not only solidify its position as an industry leader but also to expand the horizons of energy reserves within the Bazhong region.