Scientific exploration well begins digging

The scientific exploration well along with the most complex geological conditions worldwide started drilling on Thursday in Southwest China's Sichuan basin, said its operator China National Petroleum Corp, the country's largest oil and gas producer by annual output.

The scientific exploration well, Shendi Chuanke-1, has a depth of 10,520 meters. In general, a well between 4,500 and 6,000 meters deep is defined as a deep well, while those between 6,000 and 9,000 meters are super-deep wells. Those that are more than 9,000 meters are ultra-deep wells.

The drilling of the well represents a major milestone in the country's exploration of deep energy resources that will further guarantee China's national energy security, the company said.

zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn