ZHONG Zhiguo, YU Wenquan, DUAN Hongliang, et al. Progress and research direction of shale oil exploration in complex fault blocks with low to medium TOC in Subei Basin[J]. Petroleum Reservoir Evaluation and Development, 2025, 15(1): 11-18.
DOI:
ZHONG Zhiguo, YU Wenquan, DUAN Hongliang, et al. Progress and research direction of shale oil exploration in complex fault blocks with low to medium TOC in Subei Basin[J]. Petroleum Reservoir Evaluation and Development, 2025, 15(1): 11-18. DOI: 10.13809/j.cnki.cn32-1825/te.2025.01.002.
Progress and research direction of shale oil exploration in complex fault blocks with low to medium TOC in Subei Basin
Shale oil resources in the Subei Basin show significant potential. The second and fourth members of the Funing Formation (hereafter referred to as Funing Member 2 and Funing Member 4) are the main target layers for exploration. These layers are characterized by substantial thickness
wide distribution
high content of brittle minerals
well-developed laminated structure
and favorable organic matter types
with typical geological features
including low to medium total organic carbon (TOC)
complex tectonics and lithology
and developed faults/fractures. Since 2011
Jiangsu Oilfield has strengthened basic research and exploration practices
leading to the establishment of the theory of differential enrichment of shale oil in complex fault blocks with low to medium TOC. Key technologies for exploration and development have been integrated and innovated
green and low-carbon development models have been explored
and significant breakthroughs have been achieved in shale oil exploration of Funing Member 2 and Funing Member 4 in the Gaoyou Sag. However
there are still many challenges
such as an unclear understanding of the patterns of shale oil enrichment and high yield
insufficient adaptability of engineering technologies
undefined technical policies for cost-effective development
and high development costs. Main approaches to achieving large-scale production and cost-effective development of shale oil include: deepening the fundamental research on the main controlling factors of shale oil enrichment and high yield
tackling main challenges and advancing key technologies
optimizing integrated organizational management and operation mechanisms
and maximizing the drilling success rate in high-quality reservoirs
the utilization rate of shale oil reserves
and the recovery efficiency to further reduce costs and improve efficiency.