A new high-tech natural gas pipeline linking China and Russia has commenced operation, marking a significant milestone in energy collaboration between the two nations. Spanning over 5,000 kilometers from Heihe in northeastern Heilongjiang Province to Shanghai, the pipeline passes through nine regions and has a capacity of 38 billion cubic meters per year.
“The launch of the pipeline significantly enhances gas supply reliability and flexibility in eastern China,” said Li Bo from the China Oil and Gas Pipeline Network Corporation (PipeChina). “It will ensure sufficient gas supplies for the peak demand periods expanding from this winter to next spring.”
The pipeline is celebrated as China’s first “world-level” pipeline, featuring advanced automation technology. Notably, it includes explosion-proof rail-mounted inspection robots—an innovation in China’s pipeline infrastructure. “The robot is equipped with cameras and infrared imaging devices. It operates autonomously or via remote control, performing pre-programmed inspection and data collection tasks in the tunnel,” explained Qian Haocheng of PipeChina’s west-to-east gas transmission branch. “It can continuously inspect the tunnel, significantly reducing the frequency and duration of manual inspections.”
All software and hardware used in the pipeline are built with domestic technologies, showcasing China’s advancements in energy infrastructure and technological innovation.
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New, high-tech gas pipeline linking China and Russia operational
cgtn.com
