Current Status and Trends in Shale Oil and Gas Drilling Engineering Technology Development at Home and Abroad

Abstract Shale oil and gas is an important component of unconventional oil and gas, and the United States has achieved energy independence through the shale revolution. China has abundant unconventional oil and gas resources, and the vigorous development of shale oil and gas is a necessary path for the development of China’s oil and gas industry. By systematically analyzing the developmental characteristics of shale oil and gas major countries, represented by North America, this study compares domestic and foreign shale oil and gas drilling engineering technologies from the perspectives of development process, well construction cycle, drilling parameters, and other aspects. It clarifies the advantages and challenges of Chinese shale oil and gas drilling engineering technology and provides targeted recommendations. The drilling mode for shale oil and gas in China has progressed from single horizontal wells to large-scale platform factory operations, significantly reducing costs and increasing efficiency. However, due to the complex geological conditions of shale formations and poor surface environment, China’s shale oil and gas wells have a horizontal section length about 1000 meters shorter than those in North America, and the well construction cycle is 2-3 times longer. There are still certain gaps in drilling efficiency and operating costs compared to foreign countries. By systematically analyzing the development process and parameter characteristics of shale oil and gas drilling engineering technology at home and abroad, this study clarifies the current status of drilling engineering technology, providing references for the integration and promotion of mature technologies, demonstration of key core technology breakthroughs, and exploration of cutting-edge technology research and development.