A discussion on the development strategies of Chinese natural gas exploration

In recent years,more and more giant gas fields have been continuously found in the world.The continual progress in exploration technologies has made it possible for energy pioneers to probe into more other areas like lithological gas reservoirs or deep water hydrocarbon reservoirs,thus unconventional natural gas resources are becoming an important supplementary energy.Natural gas is rich in China,and the conventional gas has stepped into the stage of rapid development while the unconventional gas has just started its initial step at present.Based on a full survey and study on the overseas exploration experiences and developing trend,this paper compared this with the status quo and characteristics in China,and then presents some views on the strategies about the development of Chinese natural gas exploration:①China has a rich natural gas resources,and it is high time that giant gas fields be discovered.The annual proven reserves of natural gas has been up to 500,000,000,000(500 bcm)since 2000 with a major contribution of 70% by giant gas fields.②Natural gas exploration has to face many challenges such as the complex geological conditions,greater difficulties and higher requirement for gas exploration.③New ideas and innovations of technology will be necessary for future natural gas exploration.④To tap more unconventional gas resources is the only way to the sustainable development of natural gas industry in China.