#China #carbon capture #Astana #Sinopec #CCUS

Sinopec and Global Partners Launch CCUS Initiative

In a significant development for global climate action, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, commonly known as Sinopec, has teamed up with international organizations and governments to launch an initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). This announcement took place during the International CCUS Technology Conference held on September 1-2, 2026, in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Objective of the CCUS Initiative

The initiative focuses on fostering collaboration among stakeholders to develop standards and technologies related to CCUS. By facilitating a robust exchange of knowledge among CCUS professionals, the organizers aim to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture projects globally. Tian Hongbin, Vice President of Sinopec Group, emphasized the crucial role that CCUS technologies will play in the future landscape of climate change mitigation.

“Global climate protection has entered a crucial phase, and CCUS has emerged as a key technology,” he stated during the conference.

The International CCUS Conference

The conference gathered more than 230 participants from various countries including China, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Notable discussions included the intricacies of carbon dioxide capture, geological storage, and CO₂ mineralization processes. In addition, the conference addressed the necessary business models and political frameworks to encourage broader implementation of CCUS technologies across the globe.

Participants discussed forming strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives essential for addressing the significant challenges surrounding carbon emissions reduction. This collaborative effort highlights a shift toward a more integrated approach in tackling climate issues, which is crucial given the increasing urgency to implement effective carbon management solutions.

Sinopec’s Commitment to Sustainability

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Sinopec has already made substantial strides in CCUS projects within China. The company has constructed the nation’s first 100-kilometer carbon dioxide pipeline and successfully implemented the first integrated CCUS demonstration project capable of processing one million tons annually. In collaboration with industry giants such as Shell and BASF, Sinopec is conducting a feasibility study for China's first publicly accessible CCUS cluster expected to operate at a 10-million-ton capacity.

Moreover, a demonstration project aimed at capturing CO₂ from lower concentration sources in the Shengli Oilfield is also in the pipeline. This initiative represents a comprehensive approach to carbon management, targeting emissions from various sources and improving oil recovery, thus contributing to sustainable energy production.

The Future of CCUS Collaboration

The International Coalition for Technology Outreach (ICTO), founded in July 2025 with 60 founding members, will also play a critical role in advancing these objectives. This coalition includes companies, research institutions, and experts from over 20 countries, who will collaborate to integrate technical expertise with international research efforts.

Sinopec is committed to collaborating with ICTO members to facilitate the development and application of CCUS technologies, hoping to contribute significantly to global efforts against climate change.

In conclusion, by spearheading this CCUS initiative, Sinopec not only strengthens its leadership position in the energy sector but also reinforces its commitment to a sustainable future powered by innovative technologies and strategic partnerships. As the world faces increasingly pressing climate challenges, cooperative approaches like this will be instrumental in achieving meaningful progress in carbon reduction efforts.