On April 21, Changqing Oilfield successfully completed its second pilot test of hydrogen-fueled drilling. The well is located at the Jing 32-40 well site under the First Gas Production Plant. Since drilling began on April 9, the hydrogen-powered equipment operated continuously and stably for over 200 hours, proving the reliability and safety of the technology. This marks a significant step forward in turning the vision of green drilling into reality and represents solid progress in Changqing Oilfield’s green transformation.

The test utilized core equipment such as a 1.5 MW hydrogen power station and hydrogen trailers, achieving 100% hydrogen substitution for diesel throughout the entire second-phase drilling process. In total, the well consumed 9.702 tons of hydrogen, generated 130,600 kWh of electricity, replaced 36.57 tons of diesel, and reduced CO₂ emissions by 124 tons. This breakthrough addresses the industry's challenges of high energy consumption and emissions and offers a technological model for low-carbon development across the entire oil and gas exploration chain.

On December 16, 2024, China’s first hydrogen-fueled green drilling demonstration project was launched at the First Gas Production Plant of Changqing Oilfield. From the hydrogen application in the first test well to the complete diesel substitution in the second, the oilfield has continued to expand the use of hydrogen, driving the low-carbon transformation of drilling operations forward.

In the face of complex geological conditions and strict technical requirements, Changqing Oilfield formed a task force with partners such as Baoji Oilfield Machinery and Chuanke Drilling to optimize key processes including hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and equipment coordination. In particular, to address formations prone to loss circulation, the team innovatively adopted a "while-drilling plugging" technique, using real-time monitoring of drilling fluid and riser parameters for precise leak control. During the second-phase drilling, they dynamically adjusted drilling pressure and rotation speed to reduce unnecessary tripping, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.

Looking out across the Jing 32-40 site, the once-roaring diesel engines have been replaced by low-noise, high-efficiency hydrogen equipment. This is not merely a change in power source but a vivid reflection of the proactive steps traditional energy enterprises are taking toward green development.

Looking ahead, more clean energy projects will be launched across vast oil and gas fields, contributing to China’s dual carbon goals.