CNOOC Limited has officially commenced production at its Wenchang 9-7 Oilfield Development Project, marking a significant milestone in the company’s offshore oil and gas operations. The oilfield is situated in the western region of the Pearl River Mouth Basin, an area characterized by an average water depth of around 120 meters. The project features a new drilling and production platform as its main facility, which is strategically integrated with adjacent existing infrastructure. This integration enhances development efficiency and optimizes the use of available resources.

A total of 25 development wells are planned for the Wenchang 9-7 project, comprising 18 production wells and 7 gas injection wells. These wells are being developed in stages, and the project is expected to reach a peak production level of approximately 12,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by the year 2027. The oil extracted from this field is classified as light crude, which is generally preferred in the global market due to its high yield and ease of processing.

CNOOC has emphasized its commitment to sustainable development and resource efficiency throughout the project. One of the standout features of the Wenchang 9-7 Oilfield is its pioneering use of miscible gas flooding technology in an offshore setting. This marks the first time such technology has been applied to a low permeability oilfield offshore in China. The technique addresses the challenge of developing low permeability reservoirs by significantly improving oil recovery rates and extending the productive life of the reservoir.

In addition to enhanced oil recovery methods, the project places a strong focus on environmental sustainability. CNOOC has developed a comprehensive gas network throughout the Wenchang Oilfields that interconnects various platforms. This network facilitates the efficient utilization and recovery of associated gas produced during oil extraction. Notably, the company has implemented systems to capture flare gas and waste heat, enabling the Wenchang 9-7 Oilfield to achieve “zero flaring.” This achievement is a major step toward minimizing the project’s environmental footprint.

Further underlining its commitment to clean energy solutions, the Wenchang 9-7 platform is equipped with the world’s first offshore 5MW high-temperature flue gas Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power generation unit. This innovative system is designed to convert waste heat into electrical power, generating up to 40 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The adoption of this technology is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 33,000 tons per year, contributing to CNOOC’s broader carbon reduction goals.

The commencement of production at the Wenchang 9-7 Oilfield Development Project not only strengthens CNOOC’s position in offshore energy production but also reflects the company’s forward-looking approach to integrating innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship in its operations.