Strategies for the development of CBM gas industry in China

Since the environment for the CBM development in China has been changing in recent years, it is necessary to re-consider the relevant strategies. Through investigations, surveys, geologic assessment, strategic decision-making and other techniques, the strategies for CBM development in China were discussed in respect to present situations, opportunities, challenges, proved reserves, producing reserves, strategic principles, strategic countermeasures, time-spatial allocation of strategies, risk assessments, and elimination of relevant risks. Some research results were obtained. Firstly, still in its initial development stage with fast growth, the CBM industry in China has made outstanding achievements in six aspects and also faces challenges in six aspects. Secondly, strategic focus can be summarized as constructing six CBM production bases in Qinshui, Eastern margin of Ordos Basin, Southwest China, Changqing, Northwest China, and Northeast China, respectively, according to the principles of “steadily developing middle-high rank coals, accelerating the development of low-rank coals and strengthening the comprehensive utilization of mining gas wells”. It is expected that the producing reserves and peak-production rate will be 3–4 trillion m3 and 35–45 billion m3/a, respectively. Thirdly, major strategic risks in CBM development in China include low productivities of individual wells, improper understandings of geologic conditions, decline in investments and lack of technical reserves. To eliminate these risks, it is necessary to reinforce work in the following five aspects, namely, strengthening comprehensive exploration and development of coal-bearing formations, creating favorable environments for the development of private oil companies, expanding spaces for the growth of technical service companies, conducting more researches for the development of innovative technologies in more areas and intensifying law enforcement.