The Sichuan section of the Second Sichuan-to-East Gas Transmission Pipeline, a major project in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), is now operational. By expanding the natural gas transmission channels linking Southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality and Sichuan Province to other regions, this project marks a key progress in the construction of China’s east-west interconnected natural gas pipeline network.
Stretching 190 kilometers, the Sichuan section is designed to transmit 20 billion cubic meters of gas annually. It was connected to the national pipeline network on its launch day and began stable transmission of natural gas from Weiyuan County and Luxian County in Sichuan Province.
Archive photo shows the Sichuan section of the Second Sichuan-to-East Gas Transmission Pipeline under construction. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
This enables resource-rich areas to supply gas to high-demand regions, thereby improving the country’s energy structure and promoting high-quality social and economic development.
Faced with the mountainous and complex terrain of the Sichuan Basin, the construction team used advanced welding equipment and cutting-edge technologies for the long-distance pipeline laying work. Notably, the single-pass qualification rate of the project’s welding joints reached 99.2 percent, demonstrating high-standard construction in complex natural circumstances.
Notably, three key stations along the Sichuan section are designed for unmanned supervision, marking a big stride in the smart construction of long-distance pipelines.
China Oil & Gas Pipeline Network Corporation (PipeChina), the pipeline’s developer, has made comprehensive preparations for its commissioning. PipeChina conducted various scenario simulations, mitigated risks through the process, carried out multiple drills and conducted rigorous on-site inspections to ensure safe and controllable operation.
In addition, personnel from various departments have also worked hard with great diligence, ensuring the stable and smooth operation of the pipeline section.
PipeChina Workers examine pipes before operation. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The entire project of the Second Sichuan-to-East Gas Transmission Pipeline stretches about 4,269 kilometers, spanning eight provincial-level administrative regions: Sichuan Province, Chongqing Municipality, Hubei Province, Henan Province, Jiangxi Province, Anhui Province, Zhejiang Province, and Fujian Province.
Scheduled to be fully operational by 2027, the project will connect liquefied natural gas stations in coastal regions with inland pipeline networks. As an important energy channel tailored to the Yangtze River Economic Belt, it will help stabilize the country’s natural gas supply, address energy emergencies and alleviate peak demand pressures.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
