Big news for energy geeks! China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced that its offshore heavy oil thermal recovery has passed the 5 million tonne mark, making it the first in the world to pull off large-scale thermal extraction of offshore heavy oil. 🔥
What’s the deal with heavy oil? It’s thicker and tougher to pump than regular crude, kinda like trying to squeeze toothpaste that’s been in the fridge. To crack the code, CNOOC uses thermal methods—basically heating up the oil so it flows more easily. The result? Smoother operations on platforms and better economics. 💡
Quick numbers check: in 2025 alone, they’ve already hit 1.3 million tonnes, and they’re on track to reach 2 million by year-end. That’s a big flex when you consider the high-viscosity hurdles and tight space on offshore rigs. 📈
Why it matters for us in South and Southeast Asia: energy demand is booming from Mumbai to Manila. Innovations like this could help stabilize oil supplies, boost local economies, and even pave the way for cleaner recovery techniques down the road. 🌏✨
Stay tuned for more updates on how tech and energy collide—keeping our lights on and engines running smoothly! 🔌
Reference(s):
China's offshore heavy oil thermal recovery surpasses 5 million tonnes
cgtn.com
