China's Largest Shale Oil Base Hits 20 Million Tons Production

China's Changqing Oilfield, located in Northwest China's Gansu Province, has surpassed an impressive 20 million tons in cumulative shale oil production, marking a significant milestone in the nation's commitment to enhancing its energy security, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV News.

As one of the country's largest shale oil production bases, the Changqing Oilfield represents a vital resource in China's energy landscape. Shale oil, derived from shale formations, serves as an essential alternative for the sustained stabilization of crude oil supplies, although the extraction process presents notable challenges.

The Changqing Oilfield is situated in the Ordos Basin and has made a remarkable contribution, accounting for over half of China's total shale oil output in 2024, as outlined by Xinhua News Agency. The facility is believed to have proven shale oil reserves exceeding 1 billion tons.

This year has seen heightened production efforts, with the initiation of 144 new horizontal wells. This expansion has led to a daily oil output surpassing 10,000 tons, establishing a new production record in the sector, as reported by CCTV News.

Liu Yicang, a deputy director at China National Petroleum Corp, indicated that annual production at the Changqing Oilfield is projected to surpass 3.5 million tons by 2025. Furthermore, the company has ambitious plans to elevate its annual production to 4.5 million tons by 2030, reinforcing China's energy security.

It took the Changqing Oilfield 12 years to reach a cumulative output of 10 million tons since the start of its shale oil exploration. Remarkably, it has only taken three years to double that output to 20 million tons, solidifying its position as the world's leading land-based shale oil field in terms of large-scale and efficient development.

In 2024, China's production of oil and natural gas exceeded 400 million tons of oil equivalent for the first time, with crude oil production nearing a historical peak at 213 million tons. Shale oil production reached 6 million tons, marking a growth of over 30 percent compared to the previous year, while shale gas production topped 25 billion cubic meters, reflecting ongoing and consistent growth.

The advancements in shale oil production at the Changqing Oilfield not only signify an increase in domestic energy capabilities but also demonstrate China's ability to expand its unconventional petroleum resources strategically.