Welding started on Bid Section 2 of the general contract for the construction of the Xinjiang Zhundong coal-to-natural gas pipeline project

On March 19, with the welding of the first pipeline joint completed, construction of the key project, the Zhundong coal-to-natural gas pipeline branch line, officially began, and the project entered a phase focused on welding 100 pipeline joints and ensuring their proper functioning. The Zhundong coal-to-natural gas pipeline branch project includes two such branch pipelines: the Jiangjunmiao-Jiji Lake branch and the Xiheshan-Jiji Lake branch. The total length of these pipelines is 114.118 km, with a design pressure of 12 MPa and a pipe diameter of DN610 mm. The designed gas transmission capacity of this pipeline system is 6 billion cubic meters per year. Three receiving stations and one isolation valve room will be installed along the entire route. Once completed, the Zhundong coal-to-natural gas pipeline project will play a significant role in facilitating the transport of coal-to-natural gas resources from Zhundong, Xinjiang. It will also contribute to the development of a strategic base for coal-to-oil and gas production at the ** level, while promoting the clean utilization of coal and the sustainable development of the coal-to-natural gas industry. It is reported that numerous coal-to-natural gas and coal-to-methanol companies have set up operations in Zhundong, indicating broad prospects for the pipeline transportation market in this region. The construction of the Zhundong coal-to-natural gas pipeline branch project not only expands the scope of the \"national network\" but also diversifies the sources of natural gas for the West-East Gas Transmission pipeline system, providing a solid guarantee for resource supply and security in downstream markets.

The Guoneng Zhundong coal-to-natural gas project is a major project in the autonomous region, and it is also one of the four major coal-to-oil and gas strategic projects of **Energy Group. The total investment is approximately 16.8 billion yuan, with a land area of 3,360 mu. The construction includes units such as air separation and coal gasification, along with supporting facilities such as photovoltaic power plants, hydrogen production via water electrolysis, and CCUS systems. It has undertaken major scientific and technological demonstration projects such as large-scale environmentally friendly fixed-bed gasification processes and large-scale high-temperature methanization systems. Upon completion of the project, it will be able to process 5.56 million tons of coal per year, with annual sales revenue estimated at 4.4 billion yuan and tax revenues of 700 million yuan; it will also create more than 1,700 new jobs. The plan is to complete the construction, commissioning, and startup of the facility by 2027. In recent years, the Zhundong Development Zone has leveraged its resource endowments, geographical advantages, and industrial foundation to accelerate the establishment of a modern industrial system that reflects its unique characteristics and strengths. With coal as the basis, oil and gas as key elements, and new energy as the future direction, it follows a strategy of strengthening, extending, and complementing industrial chains to promote the development of industrial clusters. In line with the mission of “three bases and one corridor” in the new era, the zone strives to enhance its role in ensuring energy security and fostering high-quality industrial development across Xinjiang. It is making every effort to accelerate the development of “three areas, one park, and one hub”: a modern coal chemical industry demonstration zone, a pilot area for new power systems, a new materials industry cluster, and a pilot park for circular economy transformation. These initiatives aim to establish Zhundong as an important pillar for China’s strategic energy resources framework. By strengthening Zhundong’s role and demonstrating its capabilities, the zone aspires to become a leader in Xinjiang’s efforts toward modern industrialization. By 2025, the Zhundong Development Zone will, in line with the strategic goal of strengthening the region through industry development, accelerate the creation of 2 industrial clusters worth 100 billion yuan each and 3 industrial clusters worth 10 billion yuan each. A total of 152 projects, requiring an investment of 443.7 billion yuan, are set to be launched on a comprehensive basis one after another. The Guoneng Zhundong coal-to-natural gas project with an annual capacity of 2 billion cubic meters utilizes a combination of coal pulverization pressure gasification and pulverized coal pressure gasification processes. It employs domestic large-scale air separation technology, domestic medium-pressure sulfur-tolerant shift processes, and domestic low-temperature methanol washing for desulfurization and decarbonization. For methane synthesis, the methanation technology developed by the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics is to be used.

On April 21, welding work commenced on Section 1 of the Zhundong coal-to-natural gas pipeline project (the Jiangjunmiao-Jijihu branch and the Xiheshan-Jijihu branch), which is being constructed by CNPC (Xinjiang) Engineering Oil Construction Branch. This marks a new phase in the project’s development, with full-scale construction now underway. The project passes through Qitai County and Mulei Kazakh Autonomous County in Changji, Xinjiang, with a total length of 57.666 kilometers. As a transmission route for coal-to-natural gas produced in the Zhundong region of Xinjiang, this project integrates the coal-to-natural gas output from Xinjiang into the West-East Gas Transmission pipeline system, enabling the transportation of such gas resources. It also increases the sources of natural gas available within the West-East Gas Transmission network, further improving the nationwide pipeline infrastructure and providing strong support for resource supply and supply security in downstream markets.