China has launched an ambitious initiative to develop world-leading drilling technologies and equipment, aiming to secure its energy future and explore the Earth’s deep interior.
Advertisement
As part of a national megaproject, the initiative will see the development of China’s first 15,000-metre (49,200-foot) ultra-deep intelligent drilling rig. The project is led by the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences in collaboration with multiple universities, research institutions and enterprises.
“The Deep Earth National Science and Technology Megaproject is a forward-looking strategy that aligns with global scientific frontiers while ensuring national energy and resource security,” state news agency Xinhua said on Tuesday.
01:34
China constructs ‘world’s-heaviest’ oil and gas platform destined for Saudi Arabia
China constructs ‘world’s-heaviest’ oil and gas platform destined for Saudi Arabia
At a recent project launch meeting in Beijing, organisations taking part were urged to “leverage China’s centralised national research system” to drive coordinated innovation across government, industry, academia and research institutions.
The goal, according to the Chinese news agency, was to “generate original, landmark and leading-edge scientific breakthroughs as soon as possible” and establish a benchmark for other deep-Earth initiatives.
While Xinhua did not disclose further details, Jilin University, one of the project’s participants, outlined several key technological challenges. They included the need for intelligent high-temperature mud control, automated coordination of ultra-long drill strings with multiple robotic units, and an intelligent coring rope system capable of operating at depths exceeding 10,000 metres.
Advertisement
Currently, China’s deepest oil well extends to around 11,000 metres, making it the world’s second deepest oil well. The well in Shaya county, Aksu prefecture, Xinjiang, was constructed by China National Petroleum Corporation and completed in March.