Analysis of distribution and exploitation of oil and gas resources in the Arctic region
The Arctic region has significant potential for oil and gas resources,which is important in optimizing energy import structure and dispersing oil import risk in China.Using the latest data from Standard and Poor's Global and the United States Geological Survey,this study analyzed the history of oil and gas explo-ration and development in major countries around the Arctic and the temporal and spatial distribution of oil and gas resources in the region.The results show that:(1)Arctic oil and gas exploration and development is mainly conducted by Russia,the USA,Canada,Norway,and Denmark,and can be divided into four stages:early investigations(before 1963),discovery on land and early development(1964-1976),sea-land common developments on land and offshore and rapid production(1977-1992),exploration downturn and develop-ment based on high oil position(1993-present).(2)In the Arctic,519 oil and gas fields have been discov-ered,with cumulative proved and probable(2P)recoverable reserves,cumulative production,and undiscov-ered potential resources of 47400 million tons,16200 million tons,and 115900 million tons of oil equivalent,respectively;the composition and geographical distribution of oil and gas are uneven,and resources are present in different categories of countries.Combining these results with the current situations in major Arc-tic countries and future prospects for the resource exploitation,positive cooperation with Russia in natural gas exploration and development,domestically and internationally,is recommended.China would actively expand international cooperation in exploiting liquefied natural gas and developing infrastructure for the Arctic shipping route on the basis of consolidating the pipeline natural gas construction process.
oil and gas resourcesdistribution characteristicsdevelopment and exploitationRussiaArctic region