Huan Qiu Shi Bao·2025-08-15 11:36Core Insights - China has achieved a significant breakthrough in the exploration of deep shale gas with the discovery of the Yongchuan shale gas field, which has an additional proven geological reserve of 124.588 billion cubic meters, marking it as another large-scale deep shale gas field exceeding 100 billion cubic meters [1][3]. Group 1: Exploration and Development - The Yongchuan shale gas field is located in the Chongqing Yongchuan District, within the complex structural area of the southern Sichuan Basin, with the main part buried deeper than 3,500 meters [3]. - The initial exploration well, Yongye 1HF, drilled in 2016, led to a major breakthrough in discovering the Yongchuan shale gas field, with an additional proven geological reserve of 23.453 billion cubic meters approved in 2019 [3]. - The total proven geological reserves of the Yongchuan shale gas field have reached 148.041 billion cubic meters, indicating a significant increase in the overall reserves [3][6]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - Innovative technologies have been developed to enhance the visibility and extraction of deep shale gas, including high-precision three-dimensional seismic data collection and new structural display mapping techniques [5]. - The implementation of a differentiated transformation approach and the development of a strong supporting volume fracturing process have significantly improved the efficiency of deep shale gas extraction, leading to a notable increase in the average economic recoverable reserves per well [6]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - The Yongchuan shale gas field is situated in the core area for increasing reserves and production of shale gas in southern Sichuan, which is crucial for ensuring national energy security [6]. - The company plans to advance the development of shale gas in the southern Sichuan region by following a strategy of "building one area, evaluating one area, and tackling challenges in one area," aiming to continuously improve the utilization rate of reserves and the recovery rate of gas fields [6][8].