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Over 100 Billion Cubic Meters of Deep Coalbed Methane Discovered in Sanjiao North Block, Shanxi
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According to a report from CCTV Finance, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) announced a major discovery in the Sanjiao North block of Lvliang, Shanxi Province, adding over 100 billion cubic meters of proven geological reserves of coalbed methane. This marks a key step in China's deep coalbed methane exploration and development, boosting national energy security. The Sanjiao North block, located in the eastern Ordos Basin, covers a contiguous gas-bearing area of 411.5 square kilometers with coal seams buried between 1,900 and 2,150 meters, typical of deep coalbed methane. Zhang Lei, Deputy Chief Geologist of PetroChina Coalbed Methane Company, stated that despite complex geological conditions, the company built a full-chain system for drilling, fracturing, and production. Cumulative proven reserves of deep coalbed methane in the Ordos Basin have exceeded 400 billion cubic meters. Deep coalbed methane, a type of unconventional natural gas buried deeper than 1,500 meters, presents high extraction technical challenges. By the end of 2025, China's total proven deep coalbed methane reserves surpassed 1 trillion cubic meters. Experts predict annual production could reach 40-50 billion cubic meters by 2035, making it the most realistic replacement resource for natural gas production after tight gas and shale gas.
Source report
According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV) citing China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the Sanjiao North Block in Lüliang, Shanxi Province, has added over 100 billion cubic meters of proven geological reserves of coalbed methane. This marks a critical step forward in China's deep coalbed methane exploration and development, bolstering the country's energy security.
Key Details of the Discovery
- Location: Sanjiao North Block, located in the eastern part of the Ordos Basin.
- Contiguous gas-bearing area: 411.5 square kilometers.
- Coal seam depth: 1,900 to 2,150 meters, classified as typical deep coalbed methane.
Technical and Operational Progress
Zhang Lei, Deputy Chief Geologist of PetroChina Coalbed Methane Company, stated that despite challenges such as complex geological conditions, the company has established a full-chain system covering drilling, fracturing, and production. Cumulative proven reserves of deep coalbed methane in the Ordos Basin have now exceeded 400 billion cubic meters under national filing.
What Is Deep Coalbed Methane?
Deep coalbed methane refers to natural gas stored in coal seams buried deeper than 1,500 meters. It is a type of unconventional natural gas. Compared with conventional natural gas, deep coalbed methane features greater burial depth, more complex geological conditions, and higher extraction technical thresholds.
National Reserves and Future Outlook
As of the end of 2025, China's cumulative proven geological reserves of deep coalbed methane have surpassed 1 trillion cubic meters. According to expert forecasts, by 2035, China's annual production of deep coalbed methane is expected to reach 40 to 50 billion cubic meters, making it the most realistic resource for natural gas production growth after tight gas and shale gas.
Source
财联社Eastern
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CNPC adds 100 billion cubic meters of deep coalbed methane reserves in Ordos Basin