China’s Largest Coal-to-Gas Production Base Begins Construction of Outbound Pipeline, to Connect with West-East Gas Pipeline System

Today (September 9), reporters learned from the National Pipeline Network Group that the mainline project of the Zhundong Coal-to-Gas Pipeline, the outbound pipeline of China’s largest coal-to-gas production base, has officially commenced construction. Once completed, the project will interconnect with the West-East Gas Pipeline System, further enhancing China’s natural gas supply security.

The Zhundong Coal-to-Gas Pipeline has a planned total length of approximately 780 kilometers and will be constructed in three phases. The first-phase mainline project, which has now begun, starts from the Jijihu First Station in Mulei County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, and ends at the Liaodun Compressor Station in Yizhou District, Hami City. The pipeline spans about 254 kilometers, with an annual designed gas transmission capacity of 6 billion cubic meters and a designed pressure of 12 megapascals.

Yu Wenchang, Zhundong Project Manager of the Western Pipeline Company under the National Pipeline Network Group: "The pipeline will connect with the West-East Gas Pipeline Line 4 in Hami, integrating the coal-to-gas from the Zhundong Base into the ‘National Integrated Network’ via Line 4. Upon completion of the first phase, it will further increase upstream resource supply and provide strong support for downstream markets."

The project route passes through the Junggar Basin and Hami Basin, crosses the eastern foothills seismic zone of the Tianshan Mountains and the "Hundred-Mile Wind Area," and traverses deserts,戈壁, and mountainous regions. The geological conditions along the route are complex, with limited social infrastructure. The National Pipeline Network Group has implemented measures from planning, construction, and operation perspectives, including prefabricated hydraulic structures, slope protection, drainage works, temporary construction protections, and the installation of straw checkerboard barriers on both sides of the pipeline to reduce soil erosion.

Zhang Haibin, Deputy Director of the Northwest Project Management Center under the National Pipeline Network Group’s Construction Project Management Company: "Solar photovoltaic power generation systems will be built at all stations along the route to achieve ‘self-generation and self-consumption’ after operation, effectively promoting energy conservation and emission reduction. The project also advances the construction of smart pipelines, enabling fully digital delivery and fully intelligent operation."

It is understood that the Zhundong Coal-to-Gas Production Base is located in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, and is China’s largest and most resource-rich integrated coalfield. The construction of the Zhundong Coal-to-Gas Pipeline will help Xinjiang leverage its coal resource advantages, promote clean and efficient coal utilization, accelerate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, and further improve the strategic energy corridor for oil and gas in western China.