Dr. Dahai Wang | Petroleum Geology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, China

Dahai Wang is a distinguished researcher at the Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute with over 15 years of expertise in unconventional petroleum geology. His work has significantly advanced the understanding and development of fine-grained sedimentary reservoirs, particularly in tight sandstone gas, deep carbonate formations, and shale oil/gas systems. As a leading contributor to the field, he integrates reservoir characterization, fluid dynamics, and hydraulic fracturing optimization to enhance hydrocarbon recovery in low-permeability geological settings. His innovations have not only contributed to scientific knowledge but also improved operational performance across various national-scale energy projects, positioning him as a vital contributor to China’s energy security and sustainable development.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Dahai Wang’s educational background is rooted in geosciences with a specialization in petroleum engineering and sedimentary geology. His formal training and subsequent professional development have laid a strong academic foundation, enabling his transition from theoretical research to practical applications. His education emphasized the coupling of geological modeling with engineering techniques, equipping him with the multidisciplinary insights necessary for handling the complexity of unconventional reservoirs.

Experience

Over the course of his career, Dahai Wang has amassed rich and varied professional experience. He has led and participated in seven major research projects, including the influential “Ordos Basin Large Low-Permeability Lithologic Reservoir Demonstration Project.” In this initiative, he spearheaded the development of an integrated reservoir prediction and fracturing optimization system that increased reservoir prediction accuracy by 20%, boosted single-well productivity by 15%, and contributed to a 10% rise in the annual output at the Changqing Oilfield. His track record extends to 18 consultancy and industry projects, demonstrating his strong engagement with real-world applications. His collaborative work with industry partners ensures his research outputs are scalable, impactful, and practically viable.

Research Interest

Wang’s primary research interests revolve around unconventional oil and gas geology, particularly focusing on low-permeability and subsalt reservoirs. He has made significant contributions to reservoir prediction, hydraulic fracturing techniques, and helium enrichment mechanisms. One of his most innovative achievements is the proposal of a “bauxite layer-controlled” helium enrichment model, which led to China’s first discovery of a bauxite-hosted helium reservoir. Furthermore, his advances in subsalt reservoir evaluation helped identify three large subsalt targets, each with over 500 BCM of gas resources, and facilitated the optimization of ten high-yield zones in the southern Ordos Basin. These efforts have directly contributed to reducing exploration risk by 30%.

Award

Dahai Wang’s contributions to the field have earned him numerous recognitions, including editorial appointments and professional memberships, such as with the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts (SPWLA). His technical leadership in national projects and innovative methodologies have positioned him as a top contender for the Best Researcher Award. His patents—ten published or under process—highlight the novelty and application of his research outcomes. Additionally, his leadership and achievements in industry-collaborated projects underscore his alignment with the goals of sustainable resource development and national energy priorities.

Publications

Wang’s scholarly impact is reflected in his peer-reviewed publications and citation metrics. He has authored seven key journal publications in reputed scientific outlets. Notable works include:

1. “Hydraulic Fracturing Optimization in Tight Gas Reservoirs,” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2017, cited by 56 articles;

2. “Characterization of Deep Carbonate Rocks in the Ordos Basin,” Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2018, cited by 42 articles;

3. “Helium Enrichment and Bauxite Layer Control Mechanisms,” Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2019, cited by 37 articles;

4. “Integrated Modeling for Subsalt Gas Exploration,” AAPG Bulletin, 2020, cited by 33 articles;

5. “Fracture Prediction in Low-Permeability Reservoirs,” Fuel, 2021, cited by 29 articles;

6. “Evaluation of Shale Oil Potential in China,” Energy Exploration & Exploitation, 2022, cited by 25 articles;

7. “Technological Framework for Unconventional Resource Development,” Journal of Energy Resources Technology, 2023, cited by 19 articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dahai Wang exemplifies excellence in petroleum engineering through his sustained contributions to unconventional resource exploration and development. His career blends rigorous academic research with practical innovations that have yielded measurable industry impacts. His ability to lead national-level projects, publish influential research, and drive technological advancements makes him a deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. With a vision aligned with sustainable and efficient energy production, he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the domain of unconventional oil and gas geology.