Coordinated Development Mode of Oil and Gas Resources and Water Resources in Western China

Abstract

Western China is an important area for increasing oil and gas reserves and production in China, and it is also the most arid and water-deficient area in the country; there is a complex linkage between energy and water resources in this region. Hence, it is important to promote the coordinated management of energy and water resources. In this article, we review the prospects and deployment of oil and gas production in Western China, investigate the development mode and water utilization status of different oil and gas fields from seven companies of China National Petroleum Corporation in Western China, and analyze the guarantee risks of water resource and water environment during gas and oil development. The research shows that oil and gas production has steadily increased in Western China in recent years, and the consumption of fresh water in oil and gas fields has changed little, owing to the continuous improvement in sewage treatment and recycling efficiency. However, considering the progressive development of unconventional oil and gas resources, future oil and gas development in Western China is likely to significantly affect the surface and underground water systems. It is suggested to develop precise water injection and waterless fracturing technology to stabilize oil production and control water use, increase the recycling of produced water to strengthen scientific water management, and improve the comprehensive allocation guarantee system of water resources, so as to reduce the impact of oil and gas development on water system while ensuring water use security for energy industry, thereby realizing the coordinated development of energy and water resources in Western China.