Construction work has started on China's first deep-water self-operated gas field in the South China Sea, which an expert said shows China has successfully mastered the technology of the subsea production system, and could help the country shake off its energy dependence on other countries.
It will also effectively promote production of deep-water oil and gas resources in the South China Sea, experts said.
Lingshui 17-2, China's first subsea deep-water project officially entered the stage of substantive development and construction, China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) announced on Monday.
Once put into operation, the field will produce about 3 billion to 3.5 billion cubic meters gas for South China's Guangdong Province, Hainan Province and Hong Kong every year. The gas supply quota for residents in Hong Kong will be determined according to the contracts they signed, CNOOC said.
The project is developed by the company, with water depths of as much as 1,500 meters.
Lin Boqiang, director of the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Monday that the development shows that China has successfully mastered the design, construction and installation technology of the subsea production system.
"This will strongly promote the production of deep-water oil and gas in the South China Sea, and have a positive impact on the construction of the 'South China Sea large gas zone'," Lin said.
The Lingshui 17-2 gas field is located 150 kilometers off Hainan Province in the west waters of the South China Sea. The region is also China's major offshore gas storage area. CNOOC has already developed the Yacheng and Dongfang gas fields there, which are both included in China's program for the "South China Sea large gas zone."
The deep-water areas have become the major new source for global oil and gas production. 70 percent of the oil and gas resources in the South China Sea are found in deep water.
China's breakthroughs in deep-water self-operated gas production will ensure the country's energy security, Lin noted.
"China has pledged to pursue clean development, so the consumption of clean energy like gas is growing fast. It's necessary to lower imports and dependence on other countries," Lin added.
Yang Hua, chairman of CNOOC, said that the zone will meet industrial demand and support living standards in South China.
To increase the supply of clean natural gas, improve China's environment, optimize the energy structure, and promote economic and social development are tasks of great significance, Yang added.
