Shale oil, an unconventional petroleum resource extracted from shale formations, serves as an important alternative for maintaining China’s long-term stable crude oil output. However, its extraction process is complex and technically demanding.
Located in the Ordos Basin, the Changqing Oilfield contributed more than half of China’s total shale oil output in 2024, Xinhua News Agency reported. The field holds proven shale oil reserves of over 1 billion tons, underscoring its strategic role in the nation’s energy landscape.
In 2024, the field accelerated its production pace by adding 144 new horizontal wells, achieving a record daily oil output of over 10,000 tons, according to CCTV News. The development demonstrates progress in large-scale shale oil extraction through technological innovation and efficient drilling operations.
Liu Yicang, deputy director of China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), the developer of the project, stated that the Changqing Oilfield’s annual shale oil production is expected to exceed 3.5 million tons in 2025. He added: “We will continue to intensify our efforts in shale oil exploration and development,” noting that CNPC aims to reach an annual shale oil production level of 4.5 million tons by 2030 to further strengthen China’s energy security.
It took Changqing Oilfield 12 years to achieve its first 10 million tons of cumulative shale oil output since exploration began, but only three years to double that figure to 20 million tons. The field now accounts for more than half of China’s total shale oil production, making it the world’s first land-based shale oil field to achieve large-scale, efficient development.
In 2024, China’s combined oil and natural gas output exceeded 400 million tons of oil equivalent for the first time, official data showed. Crude oil production reached 213 million tons, approaching a historical peak, while shale oil output rose to 6 million tons, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 30 percent. Meanwhile, shale gas production surpassed 25 billion cubic meters, maintaining steady growth.
The achievements of Changqing Oilfield highlight the progress in China’s efforts to enhance domestic energy production and resource development. By improving extraction technology and expanding production capacity, the field continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring stable energy supply and supporting the country’s long-term energy goals.
