Current Status of Helium Resource Research and Prediction of Favorable Areas for Helium Reservoir in China

Abstract

As an unconventional oil and gas reservoir, helium gas reservoirs have gradually become a focus of attention. In recent years, with the continuous increase in demand for helium gas, the uneven distribution of global helium resources has attracted China’s attention to helium resources. In this study, a method for predicting favorable areas of helium gas was proposed based on the natural gas exploration theory and the idea of “finding gas in enrichment areas”. We conducted an in-depth study and analysis of the types of helium gas formations in China by comprehensively using geochemical and isotope-testing data, identifying the distribution of helium source rocks in China. Based on this, we conducted directed analyses of the transport channels and caprock conditions for helium gas, and summarized the enrichment modes of helium gas. Using this method, we predicted five favorable areas for the enrichment of helium gas in China, providing an important basis for the future exploration and development of helium resources in China.