Strategic Pathways and Policy Support for the Development of Future Deep-Sea Energy Industries: A PEST-SWOT Based Analysis

Against the backdrop of the accelerating global energy transition, deep-sea energy, as a strategic future industry, plays a vital role in ensuring national energy security and fostering green, low-carbon development. Utilizing an optimized PEST analytical framework, this paper systematically examines the current development status and prevailing conditions of the deep-sea energy industry from four dimensions: policy environment, energy economy, industry models, and industrial technology. Research indicates that while deep-sea oil and gas resources possess enormous potential, with the proportion of deepwater production continuously increasing and development costs declining significantly, challenges such as immature core technologies, high dependence on high-end equipment, and prominent investment risks persist. By integrating SWOT analysis, the study further identifies China’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats, in the deep-sea energy sector. Based on this, a “Three-Phase” strategic pathway is proposed: strengthening weak links and reinforcing industrial chains by 2025, actively expanding into international markets by 2030, and achieving internationally advanced levels in technology and equipment by 2035. Finally, systematic policy recommendations are put forward focusing on technological innovation, industrial synergy, platform development, and financial support, aiming to provide strategic guidance for promoting the high-quality development of China’s future deep-sea energy industry.