Resources potential and exploration prospect of coalbed methane in Qinshui basin

Although Qinshui basin has entered the stage of large-scale development and utilization of coalbed methane (CBM) and becomes one of the two industrialization base in China, proved reserves and production in it is far from the planning objectives and the growth is slowing down.In this paper, the exploration progress in the basin is analyzed, and assessment of CBM resources is conducted.According to the assessment, original CBM in place is 4.00 trillion m³, of which 1.53 trillion m³ is recoverable, and it indicates the huge potential of CBM resources in Qinshui basin.No.15 Coal seam in Taiyuan formation in the north and No.3 coal seam in Shanxi formation in the south are the major target for exploration at present and in the future.Xiadian and Qinnan blocks in the south of the basin are important potential areas for reserve growth in the future.Facing with the constraints and challenges from various aspects, like geology, technology, economic benefits and management, it is high time to enhance the confidence and seize the opportunities to achieve the further development of CBM industrialization in Qinshui basin that contributes to ensure the national energy security.