CHINA plans to use renewable energy sources such as wind and solar to provide onsite power for enhanced oil and gas recovery techniques, according to the National Energy Administration (NEA).

Gas output could be increased by 3 billion cubic meters (bcm) through pressure-boosted mining techniques, the NEA said in an action plan for 2023-2025 issued late Wednesday.

Crude oil production could be lifted by more than 2 million tons through renewables-powered carbon dioxide flooding and thermal recovery techniques, it added.

In addition to enhancing output at existing sites, the NEA proposed increased exploration of both onshore and offshore oil and gas that would also draw on renewable power sources.

The development of renewables-supported oil and gas facilities has particular potential in northern and western parts of the country such as Xinjiang, Gansu and Heilongjiang, it said.

The blueprint for an “integrated development” of renewable and conventional energy resources comes as the government increasingly stresses the country’s need for energy security, including a new emphasis on a continuing role for coal.

Despite a massive roll-out of renewable power sources — renewables accounted for 76.2% of newly installed energy capacity last year — traditional fuel sources form the backbone of the country’s energy supply.

Coal power accounted for 56.2% of China’s energy consumption last year, while oil provided 17.9% and gas 8.5%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. (SD-Agencies)