China’s energy security drive rolls on as oilfield hits 100 million tonne milestone
- Suizhong 36-1 oilfield in Bohai Bay is China’s largest state-owned offshore oilfield, having started production in 1993
Production from China’s largest state-owned offshore oilfield has reached 100 million tonnes (733 million barrels) amid Beijing’s energy security drive, making it the first to hit the milestone, according to official Chinese media.
The Suizhong 36-1 oilfield, which started production in 1993, is a major part of China’s oil producing hub in Bohai Bay.
State broadcaster CCTV reported on Sunday that the milestone showed how old oilfields have continued to yield supplies and have played an important role in China’s efforts to improve energy security and cut reliance on imports.
“It is specifically meaningful in terms of safeguarding national energy security, driving economic growth and meeting the needs of daily life,” Zhang Chunsheng, a vice-general manager of the field’s operator, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation’s Tianjin Branch, told CCTV.
Output of 100 million tonnes is enough to meet the energy demand of a city of 10 million people for about 20 years, he added.
As the world’s biggest crude oil buyer, China consumes over 700 million tonnes each year, but it only produces 200 million tonnes.