On October 30, the Shale Oil Joint Research Center co-established by CNPC and Shell was inaugurated in CNPC's Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development in Beijing.

In recent years, under the MOUs signed between CNPC and Shell on technology R&D cooperation, the two companies have stepped up efforts in joint researches on unconventional oil and gas development, exemplified by shale oil, CBM, and shale gas projects. Research on shale oil will open unconventional oil exploration to new possibilities.

Research targets of the center are the marine facies shale oil blocks in the US and the continental facies shale oil blocks in China. Research offices will be set up in the two countries respectively. Theoretical basis of shale oil geology will be studied in the first phase of three years. Efforts on engineering technology R&D will be emphasized in the second phase. ​

About CNPC

CNPC is China's largest oil and gas producer and supplier, as well as one of the world's major oilfield service providers and a globally reputed contractor in engineering construction. With a presence in almost 70 countries, we are seeking an even greater international role. We provide energy in a profitable manner, and always attach great importance to our social and environmental responsibilities.

About Shell

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 70 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects.