China has successfully repurposed a long-haul oil pipeline to transport carbon dioxide, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to scale up carbon capture technology and meet its ambitious "dual-carbon" climate goals.

The 17-mile (27-kilometer) pipeline delivered carbon dioxide to an oilfield in central China’s Henan province earlier this month, according to the state-owned China Oil and Gas Pipeline Network Corp., known as PipeChina. The company described the trial as a "replicable and scalable" model for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS).

The breakthrough is a pivotal step in China’s strategy to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060. 

While CCUS technology is essential for capturing emissions from industrial facilities, transporting that gas to storage sites remains a logistical hurdle.

PipeChina officials noted a significant geographical mismatch: carbon sources are concentrated in China's eastern and coastal industrial hubs, while storage sites are primarily located in the north and west.

"Building an economical, safe and efficient long-haul carbon dioxide transport network is critical for the large-scale deployment of carbon dioxide," the company said in a statement.

Repurposing existing infrastructure offers a massive economic advantage over building new lines. PipeChina estimates that converting old oil pipelines can slash investment costs by 40% to 80% and reduce construction timelines by up to 60%.

The captured gas is used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), a process where carbon dioxide is injected into oilfields to boost crude production while permanently sequestering the greenhouse gas underground.

While repurposing is a priority, China is also investing in new infrastructure. In April, construction began on a 249-mile (400-kilometer) dedicated carbon pipeline in Jilin province. That project is expected to sequester 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

These industrial advancements coincide with a surge in renewable energy. By 2025, renewables accounted for more than 60% of China’s power capacity, generating 4 trillion kilowatt-hours—more than the total power consumption of the European Union.