#Kazakhstan #International Cooperation #Astana #Sinopec #CCUS

Sinopec's Commitment to Global CCUS Cooperation

In a significant move towards sustainable energy practices, China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, commonly known as Sinopec, has teamed up with international partners to enhance carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) technologies. This initiative was officially announced during the International CCUS Technology Conference 2026 held in Astana, Kazakhstan, underscoring a commitment to collaborative innovation for low-carbon energy solutions.

The Launch of the Initiative

On September 4, 2026, at the conference gathered over 230 participants from various countries, Sinopec, in partnership with the International CCUS Technology Innovation Cooperation Organization (ICTO), the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy, and Nazarbayev University’s Institute of New Materials and Energy Technologies, announced their initiative aimed at the development of CCUS technology. This cooperation intends to foster closer collaboration in terms of CCUS technologies, protocols, and facilitate a broader exchange of knowledge among industry professionals.

The initiative aims not only to accelerate the deployment of CCUS but also to create a platform for dialogue among government representatives, industry leaders, and experts from the UK, the US, Canada, and Kazakhstan. All attendees engaged in discussions about essential topics such as carbon dioxide capture, geological storage, the mineralization of CO2, and the establishment of CCUS centers worldwide. A strong focus was placed on developing business models, regulatory frameworks, and international partnerships crucial for a successful transition to low-carbon energy sources.

Sinopec’s Role in CCUS Development

Tian Hongbin, the Vice President of Sinopec Group, emphasized the urgency of global climate action, remarking that CCUS has emerged as a critical component of this initiative. With a wealth of experience and commitment, Sinopec plans to play a leading role in the network of experts developed under ICTO.

Sinopec has already made notable strides in CCUS technology. It constructed China’s first 100-kilometer dense-phase CO2 pipeline and initiated the country’s first integrated CCUS demonstration project with an annual capacity to capture and store one million metric tons of CO2. Furthermore, Sinopec is collaborating with industry giants Shell, BASF, and China Baowu on a pioneering open-access CCUS cluster in China, aiming for a significant scale of 10 million metric tons. They are also preparing a demonstration project in the Shengli oilfield, targeting lower concentration CO2 sources.

The ICTO Network

Formed in July 2025, the ICTO comprises 60 founding members, including businesses, research institutions, and experts from over twenty different countries and regions. Sinopec’s commitment to joining this coalition aims to enhance engineering expertise with international research, supporting the growth and implementation of CCUS technologies across different sectors.

Conclusion

As the world grapples with climate change challenges, Sinopec’s initiative reflects a proactive approach to establishing strong international collaborations in CCUS technology. By leveraging shared knowledge and technological advancements, this project seeks to promote innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future, further solidifying Sinopec’s position as a leading player in the global transition towards low-carbon energy systems.

For more information about Sinopec and its ongoing efforts in energy and chemical sectors, visit Sinopec's official website.