Whole petroleum system theory and new directions for petroleum geology development.

As the global petroleum exploration domain gradually shifts from conventional to unconventional hydrocarbon resources, the classical petroleum system theory faces new challenges in terms of guiding the deepening exploration practices in the petroleum industry. After years of research, Chengzao Jia proposed the whole petroleum system concept and established an orderly distribution model for the coexistence of conventional and unconventional petroleum, which provides a new theoretical framework for the joint assessment and integrated exploration of conventional and unconventional petroleum resources. In this context, the 1st International Symposium on Whole Petroleum System Theory and New Directions for Petroleum Geology Development was held in Beijing in October 2-3, 2023. The theme was "Whole petroleum system theory and new frontiers in petroleum exploration". Experts engaged in in-depth discussions on the progress of whole petroleum system theory and development directions of petroleum geology; they systematically reviewed the new theory developments and advances in sequence stratigraphy, tight oil and gas, shale oil and gas reservoir characteristics, genetic mechanisms, and development mechanisms. The conference also proposed unified genetic models for conventional and unconventional petroleum resources, and novel methods and technologies for joint assessment. Furthermore, it also included case studies on the whole petroleum system in clastic and carbonate formations in oil and gas basins, challenges, opportunities, and new directions in the development of petroleum geology. This symposium provided a valuable opportunity for the petroleum geology community to gain a deep understanding of the "whole petroleum system theory" and to summarize and refine the development directions of petroleum geology. Undoubtedly, this event contributes to the advancement of the whole petroleum system theory, guiding the development of petroleum geology theory and further promoting the joint assessment and integrated future development and utilization of conventional and unconventional petroleum resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]