Daqing Oilfield Diversifies into High-Sulfur Gas, Boosting Regional Energy Supply
Daqing Oilfield, a key player in China’s energy sector, is expanding its operations beyond traditional oil and gas extraction to focus on high-sulfur gas fields, a move that is bolstering energy security in the Sichuan Basin and surrounding areas. This strategic shift comes as part of a broader initiative to optimize China’s energy structure and support economic development in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.
In 2023, Daqing Oilfield initiated the development of the Heshen 4 pilot test zone, the company’s first independently designed, constructed, and operated high-sulfur gas field station. This project is critical to ensuring a stable natural gas supply to the Sichuan Basin, according to reports. The development addresses a challenging environment with sulfur concentrations reaching as high as 9000 ppm, often referred to as a “death zone” due to the complexities of extraction.
Leading this effort is Huang Xiaolu, a senior engineer who transitioned from oil extraction to spearhead the Heshen 4 project. Huang, with 15 years of experience in oilfield operations, took on the responsibility of building the novel facility. The transition required a significant upskilling effort, as Huang moved from being a “sulfur-free oil extraction expert” to a specialist in high-sulfur gas extraction. She dedicated three months to mastering the necessary technical knowledge, completing training typically requiring a year.
Huang Xiaolu’s team has already achieved significant milestones, producing over 1 billion cubic meters of gas from the Heshen 4 pilot zone and maintaining 971 consecutive days of safe operation. This output is equivalent to replacing over 1.2 million tons of standard coal, contributing to both energy security and China’s “dual carbon” goals. The success at Heshen 4 underscores Daqing Oilfield’s commitment to innovation and its ability to overcome complex technical hurdles.
Beyond the technical challenges, Huang Xiaolu, also serving as the Party Branch Secretary, has focused on strengthening safety protocols and management practices. She implemented a “four modernizations” approach – standardizing processes, project-based problem-solving, grid-based management, and empowering personnel – to establish a robust safety framework for high-sulfur gas field operations.
Daqing Oilfield is also pursuing broader diversification strategies, expanding from traditional oil and gas into “multi-energy complementarity,” according to company statements. This includes advancements in extraction techniques at the Xingnan Development Area, where innovative methods for developing low-permeability oil reservoirs have yielded promising results. The company’s ongoing efforts reflect a broader trend within the Chinese energy sector towards greater efficiency, and sustainability.
In 2024, Huang Xiaolu represented Daqing Oilfield in a national industry competition, achieving a bronze medal individually and a silver medal as part of a team, marking a first for the company in that arena. The company’s achievements highlight its growing expertise in the high-sulfur gas sector and its commitment to technological advancement.
