On April 24, Sun Huanquan, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Engineer and Chief Scientist of Sinopec, visited the oilfield to investigate shale oil exploration and development. Liu Huimin, member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of Shengli Petroleum Administration Bureau Co., Ltd. and Deputy General Manager and Chief Geologist of Sinopec Shengli Oilfield Company, participated in the discussion and exchange.

At the Shengli Oilfield Shale Oil Development Dynamics Analysis Meeting, a responsible person from the Oilfield Exploration and Development Research Institute delivered an analysis report on the current state of shale oil development. Experts from the oilfield and the Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Development Research Institute held in-depth discussions on shale oil production dynamics, observed patterns, and future development directions.

Sun Huanquan fully acknowledged the achievements made in shale oil exploration and development. He emphasized that foundational work and methodological research must be strengthened, ensuring the comprehensiveness and accuracy of basic data. This includes robust reserve evaluations and “sweet spot” assessments, and proactive studies on enhanced oil recovery and reservoir energy supplementation for shale oil.

He pointed out the need to uncover characteristics and development patterns of shale oil, identify factors limiting exploration and development, and build more refined geological models supported by a system of key indicators.

Sun stressed a problem-oriented approach, the reinforcement of unconventional thinking, and the development of unconventional engineering technologies. He advocated for integrated synergy between exploration, development, geology, and engineering, alongside the adoption of a low-cost development philosophy to improve development quality and efficiency.

Highlighting that shale oil development is a scientific practice, Sun called for accelerated development evaluations, effective risk control, centralized development, and the formulation of replicable development strategies. He also proposed balancing conventional and unconventional resource development, establishing phased development goals, and advancing the “three new” exploration and enhanced recovery initiatives in mature fields to strengthen the foundation of legacy oilfield development.

Liu Huimin stated that the oilfield will earnestly absorb expert suggestions, firmly establish a benefits-driven development approach, enhance collaborative innovation mechanisms, and closely integrate scientific research with production. The goal is to build a full-chain system linking basic research, experimental characterization, and field application, thereby improving quality and efficiency in shale oil development and advancing the industry to new heights.

During the visit, Sun and his delegation toured the drilling site at Niuzhuang Sag No.2 and the fracturing site at Minfeng Sag No.9.