On December 5, the 2025 Ocean Energy Development Forum, hosted by Cnooc Limited's Energy Economics Research Institute, was held. During the event, three key reports were released: *China Ocean Energy Development Report 2025*, *2060 Energy Outlook (2025 Edition)*, and *China LNG Development Report 2025*.
The reports indicate that in 2025, China will maintain high-intensity investment in offshore oil and gas development, accelerating key production capacity projects and achieving record-high offshore oil and gas output. Led by Cnooc Limited, China's offshore oil production has shown sustained growth in recent years, contributing approximately 80% of the nation's total oil production increase. Offshore natural gas output has also risen significantly. In the LNG sector, global supply growth this year has notably outpaced previous years. By 2030, LNG is projected to account for over 60% of China's total natural gas imports, playing a critical role in securing the country's gas supply.
The forum highlighted that global energy-related carbon emissions and primary energy consumption are expected to peak within 5–10 years, with post-peak reduction trajectories influenced by multiple factors. While clean power is rapidly expanding and poised to become the largest end-use energy source, fossil fuels remain indispensable as a stabilizing "ballast" for energy accessibility and system reliability. Oceans are emerging as a pivotal energy supply hub, with projections suggesting over 30% of global oil, 37% of natural gas, and 7% of electricity will originate from marine sources. This will foster a multi-dimensional energy supply system integrating "subsea oil/gas production and offshore green power generation."
In a keynote speech, Zhang Jianhua, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former head of the National Energy Administration, emphasized that building a modern energy system should prioritize three areas: clean and efficient fossil fuel utilization, secure and reliable non-fossil energy alternatives, and innovation-driven solutions. He noted that China's offshore oil and gas exploration still holds untapped potential, urging continued efforts to boost reserves and output during the 15th Five-Year Plan period to sustain the momentum seen in the 14th Five-Year Plan.
Cnooc Limited Chairman Zhang Chuanjiang stated that as China's national leader in offshore energy development, the company remains committed to its mission of advancing oil and gas production and driving high-quality growth in the offshore petroleum industry. Ocean-based energy is rapidly ascending to a dominant role in global supply, becoming a strategic stronghold. Meanwhile, China's offshore wind power is setting trends in emerging energy sectors. Natural gas, as the cleanest fossil fuel, serves as a vital bridge between traditional and new energy sources, with expanded LNG utilization being essential for green transition. Facing new challenges, a systematic approach is needed to balance deepwater oil/gas exploration and emerging sectors like offshore wind power.
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