Turkmenistan and CNPC Enter a New Technological Level of Energy Cooperation
The history of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) in Turkmenistan already spans two decades. It dates back to 2006–2007. In March 2026, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, proposed marking the 20th anniversary of the cooperation with a special international conference.
Over these years, the cooperation has gone beyond individual contracts, establishing a sustainable production and infrastructure base ranging from exploration and drilling to gas processing, construction of field facilities, and natural gas transportation.
From the First Wells to an Integrated Production System
CNPC began its operations with oil and gas investments and engineering and technical services. The experience gained from drilling Well No. 15 as part of the Yoloten project is a clear example. During this work, specialists had to operate under challenging conditions involving complex salt formations, high pressure and temperatures, as well as alternating layers of hard gypsum and limestone rocks.
This practical experience proved particularly important for the further development of the Galkynysh field, which is classified as a giant field under international standards. In terms of geology and development conditions, it is one of the most complex gas fields.
The key result of two decades of cooperation has been not individual facilities, but the creation of an interconnected production system. Within the framework of the South Yoloten project, as well as at the related Osman and Minara fields and, subsequently, at facilities incorporated into the unified giant Galkynysh field, facilities were built for the treatment of commercial gas, field gas gathering and transportation systems, external pipelines, and water supply infrastructure.
A major milestone came in December 2009, when CNPC and the State Concern Türkmengaz signed an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contract for a project designed to produce 10 billion cubic metres of commercial gas annually. The project included 22 gas wells, internal gas gathering and transportation systems, a gas processing plant, water intake facilities, and a 110-kilometre external pipeline. All of these facilities were commissioned in 2013–2014.
At the same time, gas-processing infrastructure was developed on the right bank of the Amu Darya. There, two plants in the Bagtyýarlyk contract area became part of the system for preparing gas for the Turkmenistan–China main gas pipeline. CNPC also acted as the general contractor for a project to create production capacity at the Galkynysh field designed to produce 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually, implementing it on a turnkey basis.
The Gas Pipeline — From Resources to the Market
The Turkmenistan–China gas pipeline, consisting of branches A, B and C, has operated steadily since its commissioning and serves as a connecting link integrating the entire chain encompassing Turkmenistan’s resource base, gas production and processing capacities, transportation infrastructure, and sales markets.
As of April 2026, the total volume of gas transported through this corridor had exceeded 430 billion cubic metres. This figure clearly demonstrates the scale and stability of the cooperation.
Further development of the Galkynysh field is important not only for increasing gas production, but also for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the export architecture that has already been established. In this respect, the current model differs from the initial stages. Whereas financing in 2009 was provided through approximately $8.1 billion in loans from the China Development Bank, Phase IV is being implemented using Turkmenistan’s own funds.
Phase IV of the Galkynysh Field — A Technological Milestone
On April 17, 2026, Phase IV of the development of the Galkynysh gas field was officially launched in Mary Region. The project envisages the construction of production wells and a commercial gas treatment complex with an annual production capacity of 10 billion cubic metres. For CNPC, this is not an isolated facility, but a continuation of many years of technological and infrastructure cooperation.
As CNPC Chairman Dai Houliang noted, Phase IV is regarded as a demonstration project that will employ advanced technologies, efficient management solutions, and environmentally responsible approaches. From this perspective, the project establishes new requirements for drilling, gas production, treatment, and transportation, while simultaneously becoming a platform for the transfer of knowledge and experience.
The next areas for expanding the technological component of the cooperation are associated with the digitalisation of production processes, increasing gas-production efficiency, improving gas processing, reducing the environmental footprint, and developing engineering capabilities.
The cooperation is increasingly shifting from simply extracting gas toward the transfer of knowledge, development of engineering skills, and professional training. These efforts also include internships and educational opportunities for Turkmen students at leading Chinese universities.
Broad Agenda and CNPC’s Role at OGT 2026
Energy cooperation is complemented by relations in other areas. At an event held to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan Ji Shumin noted that China and Turkmenistan are actively expanding cooperation beyond the resource sector.
This year, as a pilot initiative, the Turkmen side planted high-yield cotton varieties selected in China for the first time. A good harvest is expected. Cooperation is also developing dynamically in transport, science and technology, education, healthcare, the cultural and humanitarian sphere, and interregional cooperation.
The Chinese side views cooperation with Turkmenistan as a long-term practical agenda in which energy plays a central role. According to CNPC Chairman Dai Houliang, the corporation is ready to deepen cooperation in the gas sector, engineering technologies, and equipment manufacturing, as well as to advance key joint projects.
CNPC’s status as a Platinum Partner of the XXXI International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan — 2026” (OGT 2026, October 21–23, Ashgabat) demonstrates the scale of the corporation’s accumulated experience and the importance of the sector’s agenda.
The conference agenda includes such issues as the development of the Galkynysh field, gas pipeline infrastructure, gas processing and petrochemicals, digitalisation, methane emissions reduction, investment, and new energy technologies. All of these areas are directly connected with the corporation’s current role in the key segments of Turkmenistan’s gas industry.
The substance of future cooperation will increasingly be determined not only by the volume of resources and supplies, but also by the quality of engineering solutions, professional training, and the modernisation of the production base. These areas are shaping the new stage of energy cooperation between Turkmenistan and China.
Enejan KEPBANOVA
