China-Myanmar gas pipeline becomes operational

The China-Myanmar gas pipeline has become fully operational with completion of the final section connecting Lufeng and Guigang, Southwest China. The pipeline is part of an ambitious US$ 2.5 billion oil and gas pipeline project between the two countries.

The trunk line of the China-Myanmar Gas Pipeline totals 2520 km, with 793 km in Myanmar and 1727 km in China. The pipeline starts from Myanmar's Kyaukryu and enters China at Ruili in Yunnan Province.

Wu Hong, General Manager of the China National Petroleum Corporation’s (CNPC) pipeline construction department, said the China-Myanmar gas pipeline will be linked with the pipeline that sends gas from China’s remote Northwest to the East Coast, hence greatly increase the reliability of supply to customers, particularly in case of emergency.

Reducing coal dependence and diversifying energy imports
According to the CNPC, the gas pipeline will transport 12 billion m³ of natural gas annually. This will cut gas prices and reduce the country’s dependence on coal and reduce its consumption by 30.72 million tpa.

In addition, the pipeline will help China diversify its energy imports. Professor Lin Boqiang from the China Centre for Energy Economics Research as Xiamen University said, “Currently, China’s piped gas is mainly imported from areas around the Malacca Strait. Now, we have one more pipeline from the land instead of the seabed, which will decrease dangerous factors.”

Economic benefits
Construction of the pipeline stimulated direct investment of over US$ 16.4 billion. During peak construction times, more than 6000 local people were hired. In addition, CNPC subsidiaries engaged in the project put efforts in promoting public welfare in the country, funding and helping to build 45 schools, 24 hospitals and medical treatment stations.

Edited from various sources by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

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