In Nanliang township of Huachi county, Northwest China's Gansu province, lies the oil extraction operation area of the No 2 oil production plant of Changqing Oilfield, China's largest oil-and-gas field.

In this remote mountainous area with harsh working conditions, Zhang Hongling, a frontline worker with PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Company and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), has been working for over two decades.

Zhang began her journey as an oil worker in 2003 as a novice in oil extraction. Through persistent training and hands-on experience over the years, she grew from an "oil extraction rookie" to a senior technician, contributing to the safe operation of the oilfield.

The tough work and harsh conditions haven't worn down Zhang's passion for oil extraction work, but have instead sparked her courage to overcome challenges.

"What keeps us going in the oil field is not only the faith in our hearts, but also the responsibility on our shoulders. We always bear in mind our mission to produce more oil and gas to contribute to the country's energy production," she said.

Zhang Hongling (left), an oilfield worker at No 2 oil production plant of Changqing Oilfield, China's largest oil-and-gas field, and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, talks with her workmate to help her resolve problems in production. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Thanks to the joint efforts of Zhang and her team, the Nanliang oil extraction operation area has maintained an annual output of over 500,000 tons since 2018, providing a steady flow of energy to power the country's industrial development. She has been honored as a model employee of her company multiple times and as a national model worker in 2023 for her outstanding work.

In 2023, Zhang was elected as a deputy to the 14th NPC. "Securing the stable supply of oil and gas is crucial to the overall economic and social development as well as the immediate interests of the people. I will bring the same dedication from my oil extraction work to my duties as an NPC deputy," she said.

As a frontline oil worker, Zhang pays close attention to national energy security and the sustainable development of the energy industry.

"China boasts abundant coalbed methane resources with immense exploration and development potential, which is crucial for advancing the development of a new energy system and achieving the dual carbon goals," Zhang said.

Through practical work and on-site research, Zhang identified gaps in the current management and key technologies hindering the development and utilization of coalbed methane.

Zhang Hongling (right), an oilfield worker at No 2 oil production plant of Changqing Oilfield, China's largest oil-and-gas field, and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, talks with her fellow workmate to listen to her suggestions and opinions. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

At this year's NPC session in March, she proposed advancing the large-scale development and utilization of coalbed methane and called for greater exploration efforts and strategic planning.

She also emphasized the need to improve key technologies for coalbed methane exploration and utilization and provide support for enterprises to explore feasible engineering technology and production models, as well as to provide financial and tax incentives to enhance coalbed methane exploration and development.

Her suggestions received positive responses and prompt actions from relevant departments, reinforcing her resolve to fulfill her duties as an NPC deputy.

Every year after the NPC session, Zhang promptly returned to the oilfield to convey the guiding principles of the session to grassroots workers. She conveys national policies to her fellow workmates using straightforward language and inspires them with firsthand accounts from the sessions.

"An NPC deputy must listen to the people's voices and effectively safeguard the fundamental interests of the grassroots workers," Zhang said.

She proactively addressed practical issues and concerns of her workmates in their work and life, gathering extensive suggestions and opinions from them on energy industry development and local economic growth in order to put forward targeted suggestions at NPC sessions.

"I will continue to fulfill my duties as an NPC deputy diligently, stay rooted in the grassroots and always remain committed to safeguarding national energy security," Zhang said.

Zhang Hongling, an oilfield worker at No 2 oil production plant of Changqing Oilfield, China's largest oil-and-gas field, and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), poses for a photo in front of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during the third session of the 14th NPC in March 2025. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Gong Yixi contributed to this story.