The Department of Science and Technology of Sóc Trăng Province has proposed that researchers conduct a thorough assessment of gas reserves following the phenomenon of water wells boiling and igniting when lit.
This information was discussed at the seminar “Gas from Drinking Water Wells and Research Directions for Agricultural Gas Exploration and Exploitation in Sóc Trăng Province”, organized by the Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment on July 15.
This initiative follows more than two months after residents in Tà Ân A1 Hamlet, Thuận Hưng Commune discovered a boiling water hole that ignited immediately when lit in a rice field about 100 meters from the residential area. Many believed it to be a supernatural phenomenon and lit incense to pay respects at the site.
Gas discovery area in Mỹ Tú District, Sóc Trăng Province. (Photo: An Lương).
According to local authorities, this site is an old well belonging to a family. The presence of flammable gas has been known for a long time and is not mysterious.
The People’s Committee of Sóc Trăng Province subsequently instructed the Department of Science and Technology and related units to survey the area, inviting experts to research the phenomenon and provide directions for exploration and extraction.
Associate Professor Dr. Trần Văn Xuân from the University of Technology stated that the research team has collected gas samples from the drinking water well in Tà Ân A1 Hamlet for testing. The results showed that the gas originates from the decomposition of organic materials, with a high CH4 content (possibly biogas or petroleum gas), indicating potential for extraction as fuel.
Additionally, the research team mentioned that the gas emitted has low concentrations of CO2 and H2S, located far from residential areas, thus having a low impact on the daily lives of residents and the environment.
Fire burning at the well’s mouth when lit (Photo: An Lương)
Regarding the exploitation of the discovered gas, Mr. Xuân emphasized the need for a comprehensive assessment project to scientifically evaluate the structural characteristics and distribution range of this gas. “In-depth research on the origin and distribution of this resource will bring significant economic benefits to the locality,” he stated.
Furthermore, he suggested that solutions for collecting, storing, and utilizing the escaping CH4 gas (for use as fuel or electricity generation) should be researched to minimize negative environmental impacts. Sustainable extraction operations require support from educational and research institutions with relevant expertise.
Specifically, determining the origin and distribution range of gas accumulation in Tà Ân A1 Hamlet, Thuận Hưng Commune, Mỹ Tú District, and Thạnh Tân Thạnh Trị, Sóc Trăng Province is essential. This will help evaluate the potential of the gas, accompanying minerals, and groundwater down to a depth of about 500 meters.
The expert also noted that Vietnam has oil reserves of approximately 4.4 billion barrels and natural gas reserves of about 23.8 billion cubic meters. Natural gas accumulations have been discovered in the Central, Eastern, and Southwestern regions.
Mr. Nguyễn Thành Duy, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Sóc Trăng Province, proposed that in the near future, scientists need to specifically assess the gas reserves, leading to in-depth studies on agricultural gas in the province.
In addition to Sóc Trăng, nearly 100 households in Hòa Thạnh Commune, Tam Bình District, Vĩnh Long Province are currently utilizing gas from wells.
In Trà Vinh, for nearly eight years, residents of Phú Đức 1 and Phú Đức 2 Hamlets (Bình Phú Commune, Càng Long District) have been drilling wells to access free gas from underground.
