Zhang Qingsheng, executive director of Sinopec Zhongyuan Oilfield under China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, also known as Sinopec, emphasized the strategic importance of developing CBM resources in China.

　　Zhang highlighted CBM's potential to strengthen energy security and promote cleaner energy use, and underscored the wider industry's role in decarbonization.

　　A worker cleans a drill pipe at PetroChina's oilfield in Tarim Basin, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Feb 19. [Photo/Xinhua]

　　“CBM is a valuable resource that can help optimize our energy structure while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We should take proactive measures to accelerate its development,“ he said, advocating for stronger policy support, increased investment and technological innovation to boost CBM extraction and utilization.

　　Breakthroughs in ultra-deep drilling and offshore exploration, for example, led by China National Petroleum Corp, have significantly enhanced the country's capacity to tap into its abundant but challenging reserves, securing a more robust foundation for energy independence, said Wu Mouyuan, vice-president of the CNPC institute.

　　Wu said the country's oil and gas exploration continues to benefit from cutting-edge technologies, including digitalization and artificial intelligence, which have optimized operations and boosted productivity.

　　Wu believes China is expected to maintain its aggressive investment in oil and gas exploration, with new proven reserves projected to exceed 1 billion tons of oil and 1 trillion cubic meters of natural gas.