CNPC: export through gas main Central Asia-China reached annual gas consumption figures
The total volume of natural gas transported via the Central Asia-China pipeline network will reach 200 billion cubic meters by the end of November. These figures are equivalent to the annual gas consumption in China, said China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), PCR’s major oil and gas provider and producer. The Central Asia-China gas main, which originates from in Turkmenistan and runs through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and China, was put into operation in 2009. In 2010 and 2014, the pipeline received two more lines and now the fourth line route is being worked out, which will bring the capacity of the pipeline to 65 billion cubic meters. The option route Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan-China is preferential one. Over the territory of China, the transnational pipeline stretches for 4,500 kilometers. The gas supply from Central Asia play a significant role in meeting the needs of the northern regions in the heating season, when the demand for fuel is almost three times higher than in other periods, the China Daily says. At the same time, CNPC, which accounts for more than 70% of gas supplies in China, forecasts this year the demand for natural gas at the level of 81.3 billion cubic meters, which is 11.7% higher than last year's figures. Analysts believe the Central Asia-China gas pipeline not only positively influence on satisfying growing consumption, but also has diversified sources of imports of clean energy. According to the National Development and Reform Commission, by 2020 the volume of gas exports to China will exceed 360 billion cubic meters. Imported gas will be responsible for 10% share in energy production compared to the current 7%. It is expected that by 2025 the length of the country's oil and gas pipeline network will increase from 112,000 to 240,000 kilometers. Helsinki-based research center CERS has estimated that gas consumption in China by 2020 will raise to 290 billion cubic meters, and by 2030 - up to 480 billion cubic meters.
