The inaugural segment of China’s West-East Gas Pipeline 4 began operations on Sunday, aimed at enhancing the regional energy network and promoting green, low-carbon energy transitions along its route.
The segment in northwest the Chinese mainland's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is designed to annually transport 15 billion cubic meters of natural gas.
According to Wang Xinsheng, production manager of PipeChina West Pipeline Company, the first section is integrated with the existing network, boosting the system's annual transmission capacity to 92 billion cubic meters.
The entire pipeline, stretching from Wuqia County in Xinjiang to Zhongwei City in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, covers 1,745 kilometers and includes the newly operational 583-kilometer stretch from Turpan to Hami.
Advanced technologies were employed in the construction process, such as extra-large diameter pipes for improved seismic resilience in regions with complex geography and digital radiography for more efficient and environmentally friendly monitoring.
The pipeline’s stations and valve rooms are equipped with solar power systems designed to save 360,000 kWh of electricity annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 362 tonnes per year.
This project is set to bolster Xinjiang’s oil and gas industry while supplying clean energy to areas along the route, benefiting both the environment and local economies.
Reference(s):
First section of China's West-East Gas Pipeline 4 operational
cgtn.com
