Data from the National Pipeline Network Group reveals a significant operational achievement at its Western Pipeline subsidiary. The Khorgos First Compressor Station has now delivered over 600 billion cubic meters of natural gas since it began operations, according to information released on August 24th.
Having been operational since 2009, this pivotal facility, which serves as the lead station for the West-to-East Gas Pipeline II and III, has maintained safe and stable operations for 17 years. It continues to provide essential support for national energy security, China-Kazakhstan energy cooperation, and regional green development initiatives.
The station is responsible for transmitting Central Asian cross-border natural gas and Yili coal gas to central and eastern regions of China, boasting an annual transmission capacity of 60 billion cubic meters. With a total natural gas compressor power exceeding 240 megawatts, it holds the distinction of having the largest single-station installed capacity in Asia.
The facility operates on a dual-gas-source model, combining cross-border imported gas with local coal gas. This strategy connects to the Central Asian natural gas pipeline's A, B, and C lines externally, while internally integrating with Yili Prefecture's coal gas production. This approach effectively mitigates risks associated with relying on a single gas source, strengthens China's long-term stable energy cooperation with Central Asia, and promotes the clean conversion and local value addition of Xinjiang's coal resources.
The cumulative 600 billion cubic meters of natural gas has been distributed through the West-to-East pipeline network to 27 provincial-level regions and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This supply reliably serves the energy needs of over 500 million people, supports industrial production in key areas such as the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta, and contributes to the ongoing optimization of the national energy consumption structure.
Green and low-carbon development represents a core strength of the Khorgos station. It has established the nation's first waste heat power generation project at a natural gas transmission station, utilizing compressor unit waste heat to achieve zero direct emissions from station units. The project generates an average annual electricity output exceeding 65 million kilowatt-hours, significantly reducing external power purchases and creating a replicable model for energy conservation and carbon reduction. The station has also implemented photovoltaic power generation and vented gas recovery initiatives, integrating low-carbon principles throughout its production and maintenance processes.
The substantial substitution of natural gas for high-pollution fuels such as coal and heavy oil has reduced emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfides, and other pollutants. The 600 billion cubic meters of natural gas is equivalent to replacing approximately 798 million tons of standard coal, resulting in a reduction of 877 million tons of carbon dioxide and 435 million tons of dust emissions, thereby strongly supporting air pollution control and carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.
Intelligent operations and maintenance serve as key drivers for improving quality and ensuring supply. Since 2025, the Khorgos station has increased its investment in digital technologies, enhanced its intelligent maintenance systems, and implemented the National Pipeline Network's smart station construction initiatives. The integration of cloud-based laser methane detectors, intelligent compressor diagnostic systems, and other equipment enables real-time monitoring of unit and pipeline operations, allowing for early prediction of potential risks and shifting equipment maintenance from reactive handling to preventive control.
Frontline technical personnel have developed BI data analysis and low-code business platforms, breaking down production data barriers and simplifying processes such as metering statistics and equipment records. These digital tools have driven efficiency gains and quality improvements across operations.
As a critical national energy artery connecting Central Asia with the domestic market, the Khorgos First Compressor Station plays a pivotal role in the "X+1+X" oil and gas market system. Through its safe, efficient, and green gas transmission practices, it continues to deepen China-Central Asia energy connectivity and contribute to safeguarding national energy security.