- Sinopec drilled China’s deepest shale gas well, Tiebei 1hf, reaching 5,300 metres in the Sichuan Basin.
- The well produces over 314,000 cubic metres of gas daily, targeting deep Upper Permian formations.
- Engineers used a 175 MPa ultra-high-pressure fracturing system to unlock complex, high-pressure shale zones.
Sinopec has drilled the deepest shale gas well in China. The Tiebei 1hf well in the Sichuan Basin reached a vertical depth of over 5,300 metres.
The company announced the achievement on May 14 from its Deep Earth – Sichuan and Chongqing gas base. The well also includes a 1,312-metre horizontal section. It produces over 314,000 cubic metres of natural gas each day.
Sinopec has marked a breakthrough in deep shale gas development. The Tiebei 1hf well strengthens its efforts to explore complex underground formations. The drilling occurred in the Puguang gas field, one of China’s most significant and earliest high-sulphur deep gas hubs.
Puguang contributes significantly to China’s energy supply. Sinopec developed it as the first large-scale high-sulphur deep gas field. Most shale resources in the region lie deeper than 4,500 metres. The zone’s complex geology creates significant drilling challenges.
Sinopec focused on the Upper Permian formation to secure long-term production. Engineers successfully hit high-quality shale formations with a 100% success rate in horizontal drilling.
Sinopec relied on technological innovation to reach the milestone. Engineers used a 175 MPa ultra-high-pressure fracturing system designed in-house. The system adjusted fracturing parameters in real time and tailored strategies for each borehole section.
Sinopec engineers created a “man-made gas path” at a depth of 5,300 metres. This path allowed efficient gas flow from deep within the reservoir. The team worked to maximise gas recovery and maintain stable operations.
Sinopec Zhongyuan Oilfield now plans to develop Upper Permian shale gas in Puguang. The team is preparing a complete exploration and production roadmap. The goal is to turn identified resources into steady commercial output.
Sinopec began shale gas exploration in 2012 after discovering the Fuling field. That project marked China’s entry into industrial-scale shale development. Since then, Sinopec has explored more profound and complex formations.
The Tiebei 1hf project supports China’s clean energy goals. Sinopec aims to increase domestic gas production and cut reliance on imports. Shale gas helps reduce carbon emissions by replacing coal in power generation.
Sinopec continues to lead deep shale gas development in China. Its latest success reflects substantial investment in research, engineering, and field execution. The company plans to scale these efforts as part of its national energy strategy.
By drilling deeper and faster, Sinopec improves energy security and drives progress in China’s natural gas sector. The Tiebei 1hf well stands as a new benchmark for shale gas exploration in the country.