Abstract: Based on the exploration and development practice of Daji deep coal rock gas field, the scientific value and the evolution of strategic position of coalbed methane are systematically reviewed, the strategic significance of breakthroughs in deep coalbed methane is clarified, and key technological research directions are proposed. The study results indicate that the main theoretical system of coal associated natural gas has gone through three stages of “coal derived gas–shallow coalbed methane–deep coalbed methane”. The breakthrough of deep coalbed methane has established the independent position of coalbed methane resources and enriched the theoretical system of unconventional natural gas, which has values in four aspects: (1) The exploration depth of coalbed methane has been expanded and the pattern of unconventional resources has been reshaped; (2) The “binary enrichment” mode has been proposed, enriching the theoretical understanding of unconventional oil and gas reservoir accumulation; (3) The core engineering technology system has been constructed such as large-scale volume fracturing, achieving the beneficial development of deep resources; (4) The world’s first deep coalbed methane field has been built, achieving a leading position in coalbed methane. In the future, it is still necessary to conduct research on sweet spot evaluation and high-efficiency capacity construction, high-efficiency drilling and volume fracturing, fine gas production, and intelligent gas gathering and transportation technologies, so as to build a low-cost, intelligent and green development path. The deep coalbed methane has become a new strategic replacement resource of unconventional natural gas in China, which helps to adjust energy structure and achieve the dual carbon strategic goals in China.

Key words: coalbed methane, high-efficiency development, strategic position, energy pattern, Daning–Jixian, Ordos Basin