Challenges and strategies for the exploration and development of coalbed methane technology in Xinjiang region

DU Shitao; YANG Shuguang; LI Ruiming; WANG Gang; LIAO Fangxing; SHAN Bin; ZHAO Ming; LIANG Peng; CHEN Fei; ZHANG Tete

doi:10.12097/gbc.2023.11.031

2025 Vol. 44, No. 6

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DU Shitao, YANG Shuguang, LI Ruiming, WANG Gang, LIAO Fangxing, SHAN Bin, ZHAO Ming, LIANG Peng, CHEN Fei, ZHANG Tete. 2025. Challenges and strategies for the exploration and development of coalbed methane technology in Xinjiang region. Geological Bulletin of China, 44(6): 1021-1032. doi: 10.12097/gbc.2023.11.031

Citation:

DU Shitao, YANG Shuguang, LI Ruiming, WANG Gang, LIAO Fangxing, SHAN Bin, ZHAO Ming, LIANG Peng, CHEN Fei, ZHANG Tete. 2025. Challenges and strategies for the exploration and development of coalbed methane technology in Xinjiang region. Geological Bulletin of China, 44(6): 1021-1032. doi: 10.12097/gbc.2023.11.031

Challenges and strategies for the exploration and development of coalbed methane technology in Xinjiang region

1.
College of Geology and Mining Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830047, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
2.
Xinjiang Research Institute of Huairou Laboratory, Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
3.
Coalbed Methane Research and Development Center, Xinjiang Coalfield Geology Bureau, Urumqi 830091, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
4.
Xinjiang Coalfield Geology Bureau, Urumqi 830091, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China

Fund Project: Supported by Xinjiang Tianshan Talent-Leading Project for Scientific and Technological Innovation (No.2023TSYCLJ0005), National Major Science and Technology Project for New Oil and Gas Exploration and Development (No.2024ZD1406000) and Key Research and Development Project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (No.2024B03002)

More Information

Author Bio: DU Shitao, male, born in 1989, Ph.D. student, engineer, mainly engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas; E−mail: dstylsf@126.com
Corresponding author: YANG Shuguang, male, born in 1966, Ph.D., senior engineer, mainly engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas; E−mail: ysglh@126.com

Received Date: 22 November 2023

Revised Date: 22 March 2024

Publish Date: 15 June 2025

Abstract

Abstract

Objective
This paper aims to elucidate the constraints impeding the enhancement of coalbed methane reserves and production in the Xinjiang region, and to formulate targeted strategies to overcome these hurdles, thereby facilitating the timely achievement of the coalbed methane industry’s objectives during the "14th Five−Year Plan".
Methods
By reviewing the exploration and development conditions, current state, unresolved challenges, and achievements of coalbed methane during the "13th Five−Year Plan" in Xinjiang, alongside the development opportunities presented by policies, funding, and specialized institutions in the early to mid−period of the "14th Five−Year Plan",
Results
it is believed that the misalignment in the exploration and development of thin coal seams and the utilization of coal and coalbed methane is a primary factor undermining capacity; complex geological structures present an objective constraint on efficient large−scale development in the region; inadequate attention to the comprehensive gas contribution of coal series in exploration limits single−well output; and a low degree of control over deep coalbed methane geological conditions is a direct factor restricting the increase in reserves and production.
Conclusions
Drawing on domestic and international coalbed methane development experiences, Xinjiang’s exploration and development achievements, and practical insights, four strategies are proposed: firstly, the integrated exploration and extraction of thin coal seams, shale gas, tight sandstone gas, and main thick coalbed methane layers to enhance single well utilization and productivity; secondly, through data integration and in−depth research, improving the adaptation of process technology to special geological conditions to achieve engineering−geology integration and deep coalbed methane development; thirdly, creatively leveraging flexible frameworks for the low−cost enhancement of old (depleted) wells; and fourthly, adopting the concepts of "upper coal lower gas" and "gas before coal" to foster coordinated development of gas management and coalbed methane extraction. This comprehensive strategy aims to directly boost production, solve technical constraints on coalbed methane wells, conserve costs, and scientifically plan energy use, thereby swiftly revitalizing the coalbed methane industry in Xinjiang.
- Xinjiang /
- coalbed methane /
- bottleneck /
- development opportunities /
- solution strategies /
- industrial revitalization /
- petroleum and gas geological exploration engineering

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