China's first field test of repurposing a long-distance pipeline for carbon dioxide transportation was successfully completed in Puyang, Henan Province on Feb 5, according to PipeChina, the operator of the country's oil and gas pipeline network.

The test marks a key step from theoretical research to engineering practice in the repurposing of existing long-distance pipeline resources in China. It provides a replicable and scalable engineering demonstration for the large-scale advancement of the carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) industry.

The field test was conducted on a decommissioned pipeline. Through systematic adaptability evaluation and comprehensive safety modifications, workers transported carbon dioxide through a 21-kilometer decommissioned pipeline and a 6-km newly built high-pressure flexible composite pipe to the Zhongyuan Oilfield for enhanced oil recovery and storage operations.

The test successfully verified the entire process of converting an oil pipeline for carbon dioxide transportation and its subsequent use in enhanced oil recovery and storage.

As China advances its dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, the country has made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions. However, due to its industrial structure and energy demands, China's annual carbon dioxide emissions still exceed 10 billion tons.

The key to the large-scale application of the CCUS industry lies in establishing a long-distance, safe, and cost-effective carbon dioxide transportation system. Repurposing existing long-distance pipelines is a crucial direction in addressing this challenge.

The successful completion of this test represents a significant leap forward for China in this field. It opens up new pathways for the green transformation of the country's energy industry, strongly supporting the transition of CCUS from demonstration applications to large-scale development, and advancing the early realization of the dual carbon goals.