An overview of China’s Energy Requirements
Before knowing the China’s five years plan to overcome the energy ambitions from the deep Earth, we discuss a briefly about the increasing energy demands of China. Over the past 21 years, China’s energy consumption has surged by 256%. Today, its total primary energy demand stands at a staggering 165 exajoules (EJ) annually—equivalent to 4 billion tons of oil. In electricity alone, China consumes around 8,700 terawatt-hours (TWh) each year, more than any other country and over 30% of the global total.
Chinese and US share of Dominance in Global Manufacturing Output
- China is the world’s largest manufacturer, accounting for approximately 30% of global manufacturing output. Its dominance spans industries such as electronics, machinery, textiles, and steel.
- The United States ranks second, contributing about 16% of global manufacturing output. The U.S. excels in high-tech manufacturing sectors like aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors.
This massive manufacturing capacity gives both nations significant influence over global supply chains and economic stability. This immense demand has resulted in frequent power outages and load shedding. Currently, about 60% of China’s energy needs are met through imports—mainly from Australia, Malaysia, and Qatar. The Chinese Natural Resources Minister has publicly stated that such heavy reliance is a threat to national security, as geopolitical tensions could cut off these critical supplies at any time.
China’s Deep Earth Energy Ambitions
China is putting efforts to explore domestic energy sources. One approach is deep-earth drilling in regions like Xinjiang province. China’s crust contains rock formations approximately 4 billion years old. It is much older than typical oil rich formations (15-300 million years). There may still be undiscovered resources in these regions. For this purpose on May 30, 2023 China announced plans to dig a 10 km deep borehole aiming to complete the project within one and a half years by 2025. This ambitious plan is a part of China’s long time strategy to tackle its increasing energy crisis.
In 2022, the state owned company Sinopec drilled an 8500 meter borehole in Xinjiang. It is reported that extracting enough natural resources to sustain the backup of the nation for two years without oil imports. Building on that success China has invested heavily in two additional oil exploration giants, i.e. PetroChina and CNOC and given them free will to expand operations across the region. To minimize this risk, China has turned inward toward its own land and resources. What is the target? The deep crust of the Earth where precious oil and natural gas reserves may be hidden. The rock formations in China’s crust are up to 4 billion years old than those that are associated with oil reserves, which are approximately 15 to 300 million years old. However China believes these deep layers might still contain extractable resources.
What is the purpose of the nationwide underground surveys being conducted by China?
For this new 10 km deep drilling mission China has developed specialized 2000-ton drilling machinery capable of withstanding temperatures up to 200°C and pressure 1300 times higher than surface levels. This cutting-edge equipment enables faster more efficient drilling and forms a key part of China’s current five-year energy plan. The country is also conducting underground surveys nationwide to identify additional potential sites.
However, China is maintaining strict secrecy around the operation. Official details remain scarce and speculation about the true purpose of the project is mounting. Some suggest that China may be working on deep underground aquifers (waterways) or even testing military technology. Others see it as a strategic smokescreen, launching multiple ambitious projects at once to confuse global observers while focusing on select high-priority targets. One thing is clear that China is urged to reduce its energy dependency. Whether through deep earth drilling, resource mapping or industrial self-reliance. It’s actions are reshaping the global energy and geopolitical landscape. And as China started its underground ambitions. Other nations like India may want to pay close attention to the strategy behind the headlines.
Also read; Will the MILKY WAY Disappear Soon | The Changing Night Sky
Comparison of Borehole Project of China vs Russia vs Germany vs USA
| Country | Project Name / Location | Depth Achieved | Time Taken | Outcome / Challenges | Purpose / Motivation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | Kola Superdeep Borehole | 12,262 meters | 20 years (1970–1990) | Project stopped due to extreme temperatures (up to 180°C) damaging the drill | Scientific exploration; part of the Cold War-era “Deep Earth Race” |
| USA | Project Mohole (Pacific Ocean floor) | 183 meters (from sea floor) | 5 years (1961–1966) | Project abandoned; insufficient depth despite $40 million spent | Attempted to reach Earth’s mantle faster via ocean floor (thinner crust) |
| Germany | KTB (Continental Deep Drilling Program) | 9,101 meters planned, reached ~7,500 meters | 1990s – terminated early | Drill deviated 200 meters off course; faced technical issues | Earth sciences and geothermal research; developed vertical drilling tech |
| China | Xinjiang Deep Borehole Project (Sinopec) | 8,500 meters (2022) | Completed within months | Successful, extracted significant natural resources | Reduce energy imports; discovered resources to sustain 2 years without oil import |
| China (New) | Tarim Basin Deep Borehole (2023) | 10,000 meters (target by 2025) | 1.5 years (in progress) | Uses advanced machinery handling up to 200°C & 1300x pressure | Energy independence; geopolitical strategy; part of Five-Year Plan |
Technical Comparison
1. Depth and Speed
- Russia made record for the deepest borehole but it took 20 years.
- China’s aim is to reach nearly the same depth in just 1.5 years and leveraging technological advancements.
- USA failed in achievement of significant depth despite of a different way i.e. (ocean drilling).
- Germany’s vertical drilling pattern became industry standard though their project also ended pre-maturely.
2. Technology Used in these Projects
- Russia’s technology couldn’t standby for long time in extreme heat.
- Germany introduced vertical drilling to reduce deviation.
- China has launched new-generation drills that is capable of handling higher heat and pressure.
3. Objectives
- Russia and USA targeted scientific goals during the Cold War.
- Germany aimed for research and geothermal needs.
- China’s motivation is pragmatic and geopolitical. China wants to reduce energy dependency (currently 60% imported) and wants to secure natural resources.
4. Energy Needs and Geopolitics
- China is urging all this to overcome the energy crisis because there is 256% growth in consumption over 21 years. Apart from this China is facing frequent load shedding.
- This project also supports national security by reducing dependency on Australia, Malaysia and Qatar.
- Internal unrest in Xinjiang also plays a vital role as China is extracting resources from politically sensitive regions.
Now questions may arise from above discussion about China’s Secret Project for the ambitions to meet energy demands. Suggestions are required in comments section, but first read the queries below:
- Do you think China’s strategy of launching multiple ambitious projects is effective in confusing global observers? Why or why not?
- How should other countries, like India, respond to China’s underground energy and resource strategies?
