On November 30, the Yingmai-Sancha Natural Gas Pipeline ("Ying-San Line"), a 378-kilometer key project under the Southern Xinjiang Gasification Pipeline Initiative, commenced full operations with the opening of the Sancha distribution station valve. This marks the successful delivery of natural gas extracted by PetroChina's Tarim Oilfield across deserts and mountains to households in five counties at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang.
As the longest and most extensive pipeline in the first phase of the Southern Xinjiang Gasification Project, the Ying-San Line began construction on March 10 this year. Stretching from the Yingmaiqi Gas Field in Aksu Prefecture to the Sancha distribution station in Kashgar Prefecture, the pipeline includes 11 newly built valve chambers and distribution stations, along with three expanded gas facilities. It interconnects major gas fields such as Kela and Keshen with surrounding counties and cities.
With a maximum daily supply capacity of 7.2 million cubic meters, the Ying-San Line forms a dual-pipeline network with the existing Southern Xinjiang Gas Pipeline, significantly alleviating supply shortages in nearby regions. This infrastructure is crucial for winter supply stability, livelihood improvements, and local economic development.
"The Ying-San Line addresses critical gaps in pipeline capacity and coverage, directly benefiting over 2 million residents across five counties and two agricultural regions, including Aksu City and Bachu County," said Kang Chun, Chief Expert of Tarim Oilfield and Manager of the Southern Xinjiang Gasification Pipeline Project.
The broader Southern Xinjiang Gasification Pipeline Project spans 2,108 kilometers and will be implemented in three phases. The completion of the Ying-San Line, linking with the Keshen-Yingmai Pipeline (scheduled for late 2024), adds 477 kilometers of trunk supply network. Once the Lunnan-Shangku section is operational, the first phase will fully connect Kashgar, Aksu, and Bayingolin Prefectures, extending benefits to more communities.
In recent years, Tarim Oilfield has intensified natural gas exploration while ensuring steady supply to the West-East Gas Pipeline. Over 5,200 kilometers of trunk pipelines have been built in Southern Xinjiang, delivering over 70 billion cubic meters of gas and significantly contributing to regional development.
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