As a primary energy source with such advantages as low development costs and carbon-free emissions, natural hydrogen holds immense potential for China’s clean energy revolution. This study reviews global cases of natural hydrogen exploration and concludes that the water-rock reaction in iron-rich rock is the most significant source of natural hydrogen generation. Natural hydrogen is primarily found in geological settings such as subduction zones, rift zones, and banded iron formations (BIFs) from the Precambrian era. Based on the distribution of these three geological environments, the most promising zones for natural hydrogen exploration in China are pointed out, including the intracontinental rift zones in Songliao Basin, overlap area of BIFs and the extensional basin of the North China Craton, developed zones of BIFs and large igneous provinces in Tarim Craton, southwest margin of Yangtze Plate, and Sanshui Basin.

On June 13, 2014, at the sixth meeting of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs, national leaders originally proposed the new energy security strategy “Four Revolutions, One Cooperation” (consumption revolution, supply revolution, technological revolution and systemic revolution + international cooperation) from a strategic height of national development and security, which is referred to as the new energy security strategy. Over the past decade, under the guidance of the new energy security strategy, we have resolutely advanced the energy revolution, comprehensively promoted the transformation of energy consumption methods, built a diverse and clean energy supply system, played a leading role in scientific and technological innovation, fully deepened reforms of the energy system to unleash market vitality, comprehensively strengthened international cooperation in energy, further advanced the construction of a powerful energy nation, and further enhanced our capacity for security assurance, effectively supporting and servicing the healthy development of the economy and society. This article analyzes the impact of the new energy security strategy on China, the society, the people, and the world from both macro and micro levels, focusing on energy consumption, energy supply, energy technology, energy systems, and international energy cooperation.

Energy dependency has long been a weakness in Europe’s foreign strategy. As the most developed industrial center in the world, Europe’s energy demand has always been considerable. Constrained by its relatively weak indigenous oil and gas resources, Europe has engaged in over a century of energy cooperation with major global energy suppliers such as the Middle East and the Soviet Union/Russia, fostering an asymmetric reliance that has witnessed numerous tumultuous episodes. With the United States achieving energy independence and seeking to expand its natural gas market, it has actively fueled geopolitical tensions. The Russia-Ukraine conflict accelerated the decoupling of Russian and European energy ties, pushing them further apart, as Europe turns anew to the United States and the Middle East for oil and gas. However, Europe must ponder several questions: Will detaching from Russia truly eliminate dependence? Does importing the United States liquefied natural gas (LNG) create a new form of reliance? Will the critical metals needed for the development of renewable energy become a new external dependency for Europe? And should Europe seek to break free from these dependencies? This article, through a comprehensive analysis of Europe’s energy issues, delves into these questions, enhancing our understanding of Europe’s current energy quandary. Given China’s status as a major energy importer with a transformation process sharing similarities with Europe’s, this study also offers insights for China’s energy transition.

In a long period , the Arctic covered by ice and snow implicates international political, economic and security issues in its marginal zones, yet it has not garnered the attention it deserves on the global stage. With the gradual emergence of the Arctic Ocean energy value and strategic value, the region has started to capture the interest of the international community. Especially in recent years, with the breakthrough of oil and gas exploration technology and the gradual opening of the Arctic shipping routes, peripheral countries have prompted the process of oil and gas development in the Arctic. The large-scale utilization of these resources in the Arctic is prospective and is bound to have a potential and profound impact on the current world energy pattern. When the Arctic oil and gas enter the stage of large-scale commercial development in the future, the Arctic region will have great potential to become an important energy center for global oil and gas production. This development will have a strong impact on OPEC countries, also significantly improve the oil and gas import pattern of major energy consuming countries.

Amidst the pround changes in the global energy landscape, Chinese petroleum refining enterprises are facing a critical phase of digital transformation.This study examines both the prevalent global energy situation and the current status of Chinese petroleum refining enterprises . It elucidates the precise implementations of digital intelligence technology in various aspects such as production operation monitoring, energy management, and safety protocols, with a case study focus on Lanzhou Petrochemical Company. Drawing on practical experiences, this paper summarizes scientific management methodologies and decision-making frameworks. The aim is to provide theoretical support for the digital transformation and advancement of Chinese petroleum refining enterprises, while presenting fresh perspectives and guidelines for the industry's sustainable progress.