China’s Fuman Oilfield achieved a new milestone in 2025, hitting an annual output of 4.6 million tonnes of oil and gas, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) announced on December 20. Located deep beneath the shifting sands of the Taklimakan Desert in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, it is the Chinese mainland’s largest ultra-deep oilfield.
The record haul—equivalent to about 92,000 barrels per day—boosts energy security at a time of rising global demand. Reaching extreme depths requires high-tech drilling rigs, real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making to overcome the harsh desert environment, where temperatures swing from blistering heat to freezing nights.
Compared with shallower fields, ultra-deep operations unlock new reserves vital for diversifying the energy mix. Fuman’s success not only strengthens domestic supplies but also showcases the power of innovation in exploration and production.
Looking ahead, CNPC plans to refine its digital platforms and optimize processes to push output even higher while improving environmental performance. Fuman’s breakthrough underscores the role of cutting-edge engineering in securing resources for today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and travelers, Fuman’s story reflects how persistence and technology are reshaping frontiers. As the world balances climate action with energy security, ultra-deep fields like Fuman will be key players on the evolving energy stage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
